Saturday, August 22, 2026

These are the 10 questions BrainRank served to the whole world on Saturday, August 22, 2026 — now over, with every answer revealed and explained. Reading time only; the score no longer counts.

1. history

   Which ancient civilization is credited with developing one of the earliest known systems of writing, cuneiform?

   • Sumerians
   • Aztecs
   • Vikings
   • Zulus

   Answer: Sumerians

   The Sumerians of Mesopotamia developed cuneiform, one of the earliest writing systems.

2. arts

   In music, how many beats does a whole note receive in common (4/4) time?

   • 1
   • 2
   • 4
   • 8

   Answer: 4

   In 4/4 time a whole note is held for four beats.

3. mythology

   In Greek mythology, which Titan was condemned to hold up the sky?

   • Cronus
   • Prometheus
   • Atlas
   • Oceanus

   Answer: Atlas

   Atlas was condemned to hold up the sky - often misremembered as holding up the globe.

4. history

   The ancient city of Athens is considered the birthplace of which political system?

   • Feudalism
   • Democracy
   • Communism
   • Fascism

   Answer: Democracy

   Ancient Athens is widely regarded as the birthplace of democracy.

5. geography

   The Ural Mountains are traditionally considered the boundary between which two continents?

   • Europe and Africa
   • Asia and Africa
   • Europe and Asia
   • Europe and North America

   Answer: Europe and Asia

   The Ural Mountains form the traditional boundary between Europe and Asia.

6. science

   What is the chemical formula for water?

   • HO2
   • OH2
   • H2O
   • H2O2

   Answer: H2O

   Water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, giving the formula H2O.

7. math

   What is 9 + 6 × 2?

   • 21
   • 30
   • 15
   • 18

   Answer: 21

   Multiply first: 6 × 2 = 12, then 9 + 12 = 21.

8. nature

   In most plants, where does the majority of photosynthesis take place?

   • Roots
   • Leaves
   • Flowers
   • Bark

   Answer: Leaves

   Leaves are the main site of photosynthesis.

9. science

   What is the chemical symbol for nitrogen?

   • Ni
   • N
   • Nt
   • Nr

   Answer: N

   N is the chemical symbol for nitrogen.

10. arts

    How many valves does a standard trumpet typically have?

    • 2
    • 3
    • 4
    • 5

    Answer: 3

    A standard trumpet has three valves.