Tuesday, September 1, 2026
These are the 10 questions BrainRank served to the whole world on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 — now over, with every answer revealed and explained. Reading time only; the score no longer counts.
-
science
Which chemical symbol stands for the element iron?
- Ir
- In
- Ip
- Fe
Answer: Fe
Fe (from Latin 'ferrum') is the chemical symbol for iron.
-
history
The Aztec Empire was centered in the region of which modern-day country?
- Peru
- Mexico
- Brazil
- Colombia
Answer: Mexico
The Aztec Empire was centered at Tenochtitlan in what is now Mexico.
-
math
What number comes next: 3, 6, 9, 12, ...?
- 15
- 13
- 14
- 18
Answer: 15
Counting by 3s: 12 + 3 = 15.
-
arts
In ballet, what is the term for a spin performed on one foot?
- Plié
- Pirouette
- Arabesque
- Jeté
Answer: Pirouette
A pirouette is a rotation or spin on one foot in ballet.
-
everyday-science
The bubbles rising in a pot of boiling water are mostly made of what?
- Water vapor
- Oxygen
- Carbon dioxide
- Air from the tap
Answer: Water vapor
Boiling turns liquid water into water vapor, which forms the rising bubbles.
-
geography
On which continent is the Sahara Desert located?
- Africa
- Asia
- Australia
- South America
Answer: Africa
The Sahara is in northern Africa, the largest hot desert.
-
everyday-science
Why does the daytime sky usually appear blue?
- The oceans reflect their color upward
- Air itself is naturally blue
- Blue light is scattered more strongly by air molecules
- Sunlight is blue before it reaches Earth
Answer: Blue light is scattered more strongly by air molecules
Shorter blue wavelengths scatter more in the atmosphere (Rayleigh scattering), making the sky appear blue.
-
language
Which word is the best antonym of 'ancient'?
- Aged
- Modern
- Antique
- Olden
Answer: Modern
'Modern' is the opposite of 'ancient'; the others mean old.
-
geography
What is the capital of Turkey?
- Istanbul
- Ankara
- Izmir
- Bursa
Answer: Ankara
Ankara is the capital of Turkey (not Istanbul).
-
nature
Which is the largest living species of fish?
- Whale shark
- Great white shark
- Blue whale
- Giant grouper
Answer: Whale shark
The whale shark is the largest living fish; the blue whale is a mammal, not a fish.