MMTA members quizzed over lunch

Chairman Guy Darby welcomes members

The MMTA's 2009 Christmas lunch in London took place in the medieval glory of the Old Hall at Lincoln’s Inn. Built in 1490 the hall has stood the test of time and provided a contrasting backdrop for a young and dynamic trade association.

Avon Metals generously provided champagne

Members were out in force and the experience was complete with a Christmas tree and carol singers.

After the success of last year’s quiz Avon Metals generously donated champagne for a repeat performance. 

To outwit anyone tempted to consult their Blackberry for answers the final question was to identify the metal and weight of a crystalline bar. Suggestions ranged from zirconium to cobalt, but 496g of titanium was the correct answer.

The quiz questions in full (answers below):

1. Iridium is obtained commercially from the mining of which two metals?
2. Name a minor metal known to impart a ‘garlic’ smell to anyone handling it?
3. Name the 3 minor metals used in the manufacture of CIGS semiconductors for use in thin film solar cells?
4. Which minor metal derives its name from the Greek word for the metal “lead”?
5. Because of its use for murder, which minor metal has gained the nickname "The Poisoners’ Poison"? (hint – it is not Arsenic)
6. Which element is commonly used in the manufacture of LEDs?
7. Which minor metal is used in the manufacture of lipstick?
8. During World War Two which minor metal was widely used to coat bearings in high-performance aircraft?
9. In its oxide form, which minor metal has been identified by microchip makers Intel and IBM as a potential replacement for the Silicon chip?
10. Name the minor metal used to give the “red colour” in cathode ray tube televisions?
11. Which minor metal takes its name after the River Rhine?
12. The compounds of which minor metal are used medicinally in the production of antacids?
13. Which is the most corrosion resistant of all elements?
14. Which minor metal literally means “of rainbows”?
15. Name the two principal processes by which Titanium is extracted from its ore?
16. In the Julia Roberts film “Erin Brockovich”, which minor metal contaminated the water supply?
17. Which 2 rare earth metals have the highest magnetic strengths of any elements?
18. Which minor metal was originally known as “erythronium”?
19. Which minor metal takes its symbol from the Latin “stibium”, meaning "mark"?
20. What metal is on display and how much does it weigh (in grams)?

 

Answers:

1. Nickel and/or copper, 2. Selenium and/or tellurium, 3. Indium, gallium and selenium, 4. Molybdenum, 5. Thallium, 6. Gallium, 7. Bismuth, 8. Indium, 9. Hafnium, 10. Yttrium, 11. Rhenium, 12. Magnesium, 13. Iridium, 14. Iridium, 15. Kroll and/or Hunter, 16. Chromium, 17. Dysprosium and Holmium, 18. Vanadium, 19. Antimony, 20. Titanium, 496g.

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