HowStuffWorks Newsletter Quiz

Answers for November 23, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: In ancient Rome people used human urine to clean their dirty laundry.

True. In ancient Rome people used human urine to clean their dirty laundry — and it actually worked.

Learn More: Pods vs. Powder vs. Liquid Detergent: Which Works Best?

2. Which country is considered the most obese country in the world?

Based on data compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO), Tonga is the most obese country in the world.

Read More: 20 Most Obese Countries in the World

3. Which sport is the most popular worldwide?

With over 3.5 billion fans, soccer (football) is the most popular sport in the world.

Learn More: 11 Most Popular Sports in the World

4. True or false: Those born from 1997 to 2012 belong to Generation Alpha.

False. Those born from 1997 to 2012 belong to Generation Z.

Read More: Gen Z Age Range, Traits and Nicknames

5. Which solution kills mold?

White vinegar is suitable for disinfecting and cleaning stubborn mold stains. Simply spray undiluted white vinegar onto the mold-infected areas.

Learn More: How to Get Mold Out of Clothes

Answers for November 16, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: The largest big cat species to ever live is believed to be the saber-toothed tiger.

True. According to estimates the saber-toothed tiger could have weighed up to 880 pounds (400 kilograms) and measured more than 7.2 feet (2.2 meters) in length, making it the largest cat species.

Read More: What Is the Biggest Cat in the World? Top 9 Species in the Wild

2. Which U.S. state is home to the zoo with the most animal species?

Based on the number of animals, the Henry Doorly Zoo in Nebraska is the largest zoo in the U.S.

Learn More: The Biggest Zoo in the U.S. (Plus 7 Other Gigantic Zoos)

3. What is the most densely populated city in the world?

Manila is home to 119,600 people per square mile, making it the most densely populated city in the world.

Read More: 8 Most Densely Populated Cities in the World

4. True or false: The first international soccer game took place in 1872 between Argentina and England.

False. The first international soccer game took place in 1872 between Scotland and England.

Learn More: When Was Soccer Invented? Roots Trace Back Over 2,000 Years

5. What is the biggest domestic cat breed?

With the biggest adult males weighing upwards of 30 pounds (13.6 kg), the Maine Coon is generally recognized as the largest domestic cat breed in the world.

Read More: 10 Biggest Cat Breeds to (Lovingly) Shed All Over Your Home

Answers for November 9, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: "The Jazz Singer" was cinema's first "talkie."

True. "The Jazz Singer" premiered in 1927 and was the first film to feature synchronized pre-recorded sound.

Learn More: 7 Times New Technology Was Created to Make a Film

2. Which lake has 30,000 islands?

Lake Huron has 30,000 islands, which give it the longest shoreline of any of the Great Lakes.

Read More: What Are the Biggest Lakes in the U.S.?

3. Which of these movies passes the Bechdel Test?

"CODA," which won three Academy Awards in 2021, passes the Bechdel Test.

Learn More: What the Bechdel Test Says About Women in Film

4. True or false: The box jellyfish releases venom like a rattlesnake.

False. The box jellyfish does not release venom like a rattlesnake. Instead, it releases a "digestive cocktail" that helps the creature catch and digest its meals.

Read More: Box Jellyfish: World's Most Venomous Sea Creature

5. What is a group of hippos called?

A group of hippos is called a bloat or a pod.

Learn More: The Hippopotamus Is Social in Water, Solitary on Land

Answers for November 2, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Candy companies produce nearly 35 million pounds (15.8 million kilograms) of candy corn each year.

True. According to the National Confectioners Association, candy companies produce nearly 35 million pounds (15.8 million kilograms) of candy corn each year.

Read More: What Is Candy Corn and How Is It Made?

2. What taste sensation is described as having a "meaty" taste?

Umami is described as having a "meaty" taste.

Learn More: Does Chicken Soup Really Help When You're Sick?

3. How many horror movies were released in 1996?

In 1996, there were just seven horror movies released.

Read More: Why It Feels So Good To Be Scared

4. True or false: In the United States, it is illegal to go without a name.

False. In the United States, going without a name is not inherently illegal, but it can make life very hard.

Learn More: Is It Illegal Not to Have a Name?

5. During which period did the now extinct Sarcosuchus imperator live?

The Sarcosuchus imperator lived during the Cretaceous Period in Africa.

Read More: 7 of the Largest Crocodiles Ever Measured

Answers for October 26, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Bull snakes are currently listed as an endangered species.

False. Bull snakes are not currently listed as an endangered species, but they face threats from habitat loss and human persecution.

Learn More: The Bull Snake Is All Bark and No (Venomous) Bite

2. How many permanent members are on the United Nations Security Council?

There are 15 members of the United Nations Security Council. Five of these countries are permanent members and have a veto.

Read More: Is Taiwan a Country? It Depends on Which Criteria You Use

3. What are dragon snakes also known as?

Dragon snakes are also known as Javan tubercle snakes.

Learn More: The Dragon Snake Is Too Finnicky for Most Pet Owners

4. True or false: In 2018, yard trimmings accounted for 35.4 million tons (32.1 metric tons) of municipal solid waste.

True. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in 2018, yard trimmings accounted for 35.4 million tons (32.1 metric tons) of municipal solid waste.

Read More: Why You Should Stop Raking Fall Leaves, Stat!

5. In Muslim traditions, what is the hamsa sometimes known as?

In Muslim traditions the hamsa is sometimes known as the Hand of Fatima, named for one of the prophet Muhammad's daughters.

Learn More: The Hamsa Appears in Multiple Cultures, but Why?

Answers for October 19, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: The first Yellow Deli location opened in 1973 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

True. The first Yellow Deli location opened in 1973 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Read More: The Yellow Deli Cult: All About the Twelve Tribes

2. Which is the largest airport in the world by total area?

At 299.61 square miles (776 square kilometers), King Fahd International Airport is the largest airport in the world by total area.

Learn More: What Are the 7 Biggest Airports in the World?

3. Which cult was involved in a 51-day standoff in Waco, Texas?

The Branch Davidians were involved in a 51-day standoff with the FBI in Waco, Texas.

Read More: 13 of the World's Most Infamous Cults

4. True or false: Zeus swallowed his first wife.

True. Zeus' first wife Metis made the mistake of telling Zeus that they were to have a son who would be more powerful than Zeus. To prevent this, Zeus swallowed her.

Learn More: Zeus, God of the Gods and King of Mount Olympus

5. What is the smallest country in the world?

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world at just 121 acres or 49 hectares.

Read More: 10 Oldest Countries in the World

Answers for October 12, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: The snow leopard is closely related to other leopards.

False. Despite its name, the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is not a true leopard; it belongs to a distinct species within the Panthera genus.

Learn More: Leopard: An Agile Climber With Built-in Camouflage

2. Which snake is not a member of the "big four" in India?

The black mamba is not part of India’s "big four." The "big four" consist of the Indian spectacled cobra, Indian common krait, Indian Russell’s viper and Indian saw-scaled viper.

Read More: The Most Venomous Snake in the World and 19 Deadly Others

3. Where did boba originate?

Boba traces its origins back to Taiwan in the 1980s, with two tea shops claiming to have created the first bubble tea.

Learn More: What Is Boba? Everything to Know About Bubble Tea

4. True or false: Casu marzu is illegal in Italy.

True. Even though the cheese originates in Sardinia, Italy, it is banned there.

Read More: Would You Eat Casu Marzu, the Illegal Cheese With Maggots?

5. The Disney movie "Frozen" is loosely based on which Hans Christian Andersen story?

The Disney movie "Frozen" is loosely based on the Hans Christian Andersen story "The Snow Queen."

Learn More: 10 Fairy Tales That Are Way Darker Than You Realized as a Kid

Answers for October 5, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Tennis balls take 400 years to decompose.

True. It takes 400 years for tennis balls to decompose. During this time, they produce a whole lot of methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Read More: 11 Smart Uses for Old Tennis Balls

2. What is the atomic number of rhodium?

The atomic number of rhodium is 45.

Learn More: Rhodium: Earth's Rarest and Most Expensive Precious Metal

3. Pill containers are usually made of what number of plastic?

Pill containers are usually made of No. 5 plastic (polypropylene, or PP), which is what yogurt containers and many reusable food-safe containers are made of.

Read More: Empty Pill Bottles Piling Up? Here Are 15 Great Ways to Reuse Them

4. True or false: Chefs like Alton Brown swear by meatballs oven-baked inside cardboard egg cartons.

True. Chefs like Alton Brown swear by meatballs oven-baked inside cardboard egg cartons.

Learn More: Get Cracking! 10 Ways to Reuse Egg Cartons

5. What is the most famous snake on Snake Island?

The most famous snake on Snake Island is the golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis), a species of pit viper that only exists on the island.

Read More: Snake Island Has Approximately 1 Snake per Square Meter

Answers for September 28, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Hydrophobia is the phobia of long words.

False. Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is the phobia of long words.

Learn More: What Are the Hardest Words to Spell in the English Language?

2. Where is the cleanest lake in the U.S. located?

The cleanest lake in the U.S., Lake Louise, is located in Florida.

Read More: The Cleanest Lakes in the U.S. Aren't the Same as the Clearest

3. Which snake holds the title of the world's longest snake?

The reticulated python holds the title of the world's longest snake.

Learn More: 7 Types of Snakes: Venomous, Nonvenomous and Constrictors

4. True or false: LTE stands for long-term evolution.

True. LTE stands for long-term evolution and is responsible for your mobile internet experience.

Read More: LTE Meaning: Understanding the Cell Phone Technology

5. What is not an advantage of QLED technology?

A slim profile is not an advantage of QLED technology, but an advantage of OLED technology.

Learn More: QLED vs. OLED: Weighing Different TV Options

Answers for September 21, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Granite countertops require sealing to prevent stains and maintain their "like new" appearance.

True. Granite countertops require sealing to prevent stains and maintain their "like new" appearance while quartz countertops do not.

Read More: Quartz vs. Granite: Which Countertops Are More Durable?

2. What is the name of the musical involving a mutant flytrap?

In the musical "Little Shop of Horrors" Audrey II, the mutant flytrap, develops a taste for humans.

Learn More: How Venus Flytraps Work

3. Where is Stonehenge located?

Stonehenge, located in England, is said to have been erected between 3000 and 1520 B.C.E.

Read More: 'Unsolved' Mysteries, Solved: 10 Times We Answered History's Biggest Questions

4. True or false: The Serpent Mound is on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

False. The Serpent Mound was submitted in 2008 to be on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, but it is still on UNESCO’s tentative list.

Learn More: Serpent Mound, Ohio: Inside the Archaeological Mystery

5. Which famous crime novelist disappeared for 11 days?

In 1926, Agatha Christie disappeared for 11 days, spurring a nationwide search.

Read More: What Was Really Behind Agatha Christie's Mysterious Disappearance?

Answers for September 14, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: In the United States, more than 80 percent of high-rises don't have a 13th floor.

True. In the United States, more than 80 percent of high-rises don't have a 13th floor because architects skip straight from 12 to 14 to appease suspicious folks.

Learn More: 13 Superstitions About Lucky Numbers and Unlucky Numbers

2. Which two U.S. government agencies have banned the use of cell phones on airplanes?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have banned the use of cell phones on airplanes.

Read More: Can You Use Your Phone on a Plane? Furthermore, Should You?

3. Where does the world’s tallest population live?

The world’s tallest population lives in the Netherlands.

Learn More: The Tallest People in the World Share These Curious Qualities

4. True or false: Trypophobia refers to a sexual attraction to monsters.

False. Teratophilia refers to a sexual attraction to monsters.

Read More: A Look at Teratophilia: The Attraction to Monsters

5. Which insect is considered a lucky charm?

Ladybugs are popular lucky charms among a variety of cultures and regions, but the origins of this good luck symbol are shrouded in mystery.

Learn More: You Already Have This Surprisingly Simple Good Luck Charm

Answers for September 7, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Haggis is illegal in the United States.

True. The U.S. Department of Agriculture decreed that livestock lungs cannot be used as food for humans because they can contain stomach fluid, which is a serious foodborne illness risk.

Read More: What's So 'Offal' About Haggis and Why's It Banned in the U.S.?

2. Which country produces 90 percent of the world's supply of saffron?

Iran produces 90 percent of the world's supply of saffron.

Learn More: Why Saffron Is More Expensive Than Gold

3. Where is paprika known as the "national spice"?

Paprika is wildly popular in Hungary, where it's known as the "national spice."

Read More: Paprika Is Way More Than Just Deviled Egg Dust

4. True or false: To this day, no airline accident has been definitively linked to cell phone use.

True. To this day, no airline accident has been definitively linked to cell phone use. These airplane mode rules are potentially a holdover from a time when we didn't fully understand the cellular signals.

Learn More: What Does Airplane Mode Do? And Can It Save Battery Life?

5. Which of these animals can vomit?

Frogs, horses and rats cannot throw up, but sharks can, and they use it as a defense mechanism.

Read More: Frogs Can't Vomit, So They Eject Their Entire Stomachs

Answers for August 31, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: The Guinness World Record for the heaviest snake goes to the reticulated python.

False. The Guinness World Record for the heaviest snake goes to the green anaconda.

Read More: What Is the Longest Snake in the World? Meet the Top 9

2. What is the oldest known material formed on Earth?

Discovered in 2001 in the Jack Hills, Western Australia, zircon crystal is the oldest known material formed on Earth.

Learn More: 12 Of The Oldest Objects Ever Discovered

3. What’s the longest highway in the U.S.?

U.S. Route 20 is the longest highway at 3,365 miles from Boston to Newport.

Read More: The Longest Road in the U.S. Passes Through a National Park

4. True or false: The tallest LEGO set is the LEGO Icons Eiffel Tower.

True. Standing at nearly 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall, the LEGO Eiffel Tower is the tallest LEGO set.

Learn More: Largest LEGO Set in the World Has Over 11,000 Bricks

5. What is the oldest story in English?

"Beowulf," an epic poem, is considered the oldest story in English.

Read More: What Is the Oldest Book in the World?

Answers for August 24, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Distilled white vinegar is 94 percent water and 6 percent acetic acid.

False. Distilled white vinegar is 95 percent water and 5 percent acetic acid, whereas cleaning vinegar is 94 percent water and 6 percent acetic acid.

Read More: What's the Difference Between Cleaning Vinegar and White Vinegar?

2. What is the most dangerous city in the United States, based on the cost of crime per capita?

Birmingham, Alabama, tops the list as the most dangerous city in the United States, with an estimated crime cost of $11,392 per capita.

Learn More: Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S. by Cost of Crime per Capita

3. What is cream of tartar also known as?

Cream of tartar is also known as potassium bitartrate.

Read More: 10 Uses for Cream of Tartar That Don't Involve Cooking

4. True or false: Arachnophobia is the intense and irrational fear of spiders.

True. Arachnophobia is the intense and irrational fear of spiders.

Learn More: Flying Spiders Glide Into New Territories

5. Which team did Justin Tucker play for when he kicked the longest field goal in NFL history?

Justin Tucker, of the Baltimore Ravens, broke the previous record in 2021. Tucker kicked for 66 yards, making it the longest field goal in NFL history.

Read More: Longest Field Goal: NFL Kickers Who Made History

Answers for August 17, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: The title of smallest dog breed in the world goes to the Chihuahua.

True. The title of smallest dog breed in the world goes to the Chihuahua, with upper weights seldom exceeding 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms).

Learn More: 7 of the World's Smallest Dog Breeds

2. In which state is the largest college football stadium?

The honor of the largest college football stadium goes to "The Big House" in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Read More: 15 Largest College Football Stadiums in the United States

3. Which dog breed has the strongest bite force?

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs have the strongest bite force (743 pounds per square inch) of any domestic dog breed.

Learn More: Finding the Strongest Dog Bite in 10 Breeds

4. True or false: There is only one federal "Supermax" prison in the U.S.

True. The ADX in Florence, Colorado, is the one and only federal "Supermax" prison in the U.S.

Read More: No One Escapes From ADX Florence, Alcatraz of the Rockies

5. Who was the youngest elected U.S. president?

John F. Kennedy was the youngest elected president at the age of 43 years, 236 days.

Learn More: The Youngest President of the United States

Answers for August 10, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Saturn is one of the four Jovian planets.

True. Saturn is one of the four Jovian planets.

Read More: Saturn Has Giant Rings and a Moon Full of Space Lakes

2. Which scale do you use to rank spiciness?

The Scoville scale uses high-performance liquid chromatography to measure spice levels in the world's hottest peppers.

Learn More: The Hottest Hot Sauce in the World and 16 Runners-up

3. Which planet spins at the fastest rate?

Not only is Jupiter the largest planet in our solar system, but it also spins at the fastest rate.

Read More: Jupiter: Anatomy of a Gas Giant

4. True or false: Less than 3 percent of the world's population can speak four or more languages.

True. Less than 3 percent of the world's population can speak four or more languages.

Learn More: The Easiest Language to Learn for Native English Speakers

5. Which state is home to the deepest lake in the U.S.?

Oregon is home to Crater Lake, which has a maximum depth of 1,949 feet (594 meters), making it the deepest lake in the United States.

Read More: What Is the Deepest Lake in the U.S.?

Answers for August 3, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: The life of a jellyfish begins with the medusa stage.

False. A jellyfish’s life begins with the polyp stage, as larvae attached to a solid surface on the ocean floor.

Learn More: How Long Do Jellyfish Live? Are They All Immortal?

2. What is the richest state in the United States?

New Jersey is the richest of the 50 states with a median household income of $96,346.

Read More: 9 Richest States in the USA and a Surprise Winner

3. Who has been the Olympic timekeeper for 100 years?

As of 2024, Omega is the only company that can boast 100 years of contracting as the official timekeeper of the Olympics.

Learn More: How Olympic Timing Works

4. True or false: Female blue whales are actually larger than males.

True. Female blue whales are actually larger than males, and the largest specimen ever recorded was 98 feet (29.9 meters) in length and weighed 219.4 tons (199 metric tonnes).

Read More: What's the Largest Land Animal That Ever Existed on Earth?

5. Which team did Aroldis Chapman play for when he broke the record for the fastest pitch ever?

Aroldis Chapman played for the Cincinnati Reds when he broke the record for the fastest pitch ever.

Learn More: What Was the Fastest Pitch Ever? It Depends Who You Ask

Answers for July 27, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Marie Antoinette was 14 when she married Louis-Auguste, heir to the French throne.

True. Marie Antoinette was only 14 when she married 15-year-old Louis-Auguste, heir to the French throne.

Learn More: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Marie Antoinette

2. Which state ranks as the most educated state in 2024?

According to WalletHub, Massachusetts ranks as the most educated state in the nation.

Learn More: The Most Educated States in 2024

3. Which king ordered the cornerstone of Notre Dame Cathedral to be laid in 1163 C.E.?

The cornerstone of Notre Dame Cathedral was laid in 1163 C.E., by order of King Louis VII.

Read More: Notre Dame Cathedral: What It Took to Build Her

4. True or false: Artificial narrow intelligence (ANI) is designed for specific tasks.

True. Artificial narrow intelligence (ANI) is designed for specific tasks (think of your phone's voice assistant or a spam filter).

Read More: What Is the Singularity? And Should You Be Worried?

5. What is the biggest fish in the world?

The biggest fish in the world is the whale shark. Whale sharks grow to over 65 feet (19.8 meters), weighing nearly 40 tons (36.3 metric tonnes).

Read More: 5 Little-known Facts About Fish

Answers for July 20, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the Americas and the Western Hemisphere.

True. Aconcagua — 22,831 feet (6,959 meters) at its highest summit — is the tallest mountain in the Americas and the Western Hemisphere.

Learn More: Andes Mountains: Home to Rainforests, Volcanoes and Alpacas

2. Experts often call which spider the "world's deadliest spider"?

Although there isn't a definitive answer to what the world's deadliest spider is, experts often place the Sydney funnel-web spider at the top of the list.

Read More: What's the Most Venomous Spider in the World?

3. According to a study by University of Alberta Psychology professor Chris Westbury, which word was found to be the least funny?

When Professor Chris Westbury applied his mathematical model to a dataset of 45,516 English words, he found that the word “harassment” was the least funny.

Learn More: Why 'Poop' and 'Wiggle' Are Funny Words, According to Science

4. True or false: The term "riding shotgun" was derived from stationing an armed guard next to the driver of a stagecoach to protect passengers and cargo.

True. The term "riding shotgun" was derived from stationing an armed guard next to the driver of a stagecoach to protect passengers and cargo.

Read More: The Phrase 'Riding Shotgun' Came Way After the West Was Won

5. What is the largest U.S. city by population?

With over 8 million residents, New York, New York takes the cake as the largest U.S. city by population.

Learn More: Biggest Cities in the U.S. (And the Biggest in Each State)

Answers for July 13, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: You should keep your gas tank at least a quarter full at all times.

True. Experts say you should keep your gas tank at least a quarter full at all times. Doing this will keep you from getting in a dangerous situation where you're low on gas and too far from a gas station. It will also avoid damaging your car.

Read More: Running on Empty? How Bad Is It for Your Car?

2. What industry was WD-40 produced specifically for?

Norman Larsen, an employee of the newly formed Rocket Chemical Company, created WD-40 in 1953. It was produced specifically for use in the aerospace industry. Aerospace contractor Convair was the first to use WD-40, applying it to the outer skin of the Atlas Missile to protect it from rust and corrosion.

Learn More: 12 Amazing Uses for WD-40

3. Who wrote "The Communist Manifesto"?

"The Communist Manifesto" was written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1848, becoming the foundation of socialism and communism.

Read More: What's the Difference Between Socialism and Communism?

4. True or false: Driving with the windows up and the AC off is the least fuel-efficient way to drive.

False. Driving with the windows up and the AC off is the most fuel-efficient way of all to drive.

Learn More: Windows Down or A/C on — Which Is More Fuel-efficient?

5. What is the largest star in the universe?

The largest star in the universe is UY Scuti. It's a bright-red supergiant about 1,700 times larger than our sun.

Read More: If You Think Jupiter Orbits the Sun, You're Mistaken

Answers for July 6, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: A nautical mile and a standard mile are the same length.

False. A nautical mile is slightly longer than the standard, or "statute," mile we use in our daily lives, coming in at approximately 1.1508 land miles.

Learn More: What's the Difference Between a Nautical Mile and a Mile?

2. Which is the most dangerous shark

The great white shark is said to be the most dangerous because it has been connected to a total of 354 unprovoked shark attacks, including 57 fatalities.

Read More: The 10 Most Dangerous Sharks

3. Which U.S. President died on the Fourth of July?

Three presidents —Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and James Monroe — all died on the Fourth of July.

Learn More: 14 Fantastic Facts About the Fourth of July

4. True or false: China produces the most commercially grown apples.

True. For the 2023-2024 marketing year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates China will produce 45 million tons of apples.

Read More: What's So American About Apple Pie?

5. Which of these countries uses Fahrenheit to measure temperature?

Liberia, along with the United States and Myanmar, are the only countries that use Fahrenheit for temperature. Most other countries use Celsius as their standard unit of temperature measurement.

Learn More: Why Does the U.S. Use Fahrenheit Instead of Celsius?

June 29, 2024

Answers for June 29, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: An axolotl can regenerate virtually any body part it loses.

True. An axolotl can regenerate virtually any body part it loses.

Read More: Where Do Axolotls Live and Why Do They Look So Strange?

2. Sarajevo is the capital city of which country?

Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Learn More: Exploring the Balkan States: 10 Countries on 1 Peninsula

3. Which of the following is not one of the five common VOCs that make up most of the off-gassing found in the interiors of new cars?

Acetone is not one of the five common VOCs that make up most of the off-gassing found in the interiors of new cars. The five common VOCs are ethylbenzene, trimethylbenzene, xylenes, styrene and toluene.

Read More: What Causes 'New Car Smell'?

4. True or false: You should use glass cleaner to clean your eyeglasses.

False. Despite its name, do not use glass cleaner to clean your eyeglasses as it can remove any coatings you've paid to have on your lenses.

Learn More: How to Best Clean Your Glasses, for Real

5. What is the name for the scent outside after it rains?

The scientific name for this scent is petrichor, and it was first named by two Australian researchers in the 1960s

Read More: Petrichor: What Causes the Earthy Smell After Rain?

Answers for June 22, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: UNESCO estimates that 2.2 million new titles are added to bookshelves globally each year.

True. UNESCO estimates that 2.2 million new titles are added to bookshelves globally each year.

Learn More: How Many Books Are There in the World?

2. Who was the falcon-headed lord of the sun and moon in Egyptian mythology?

Horus, Isis' son, was the falcon-headed lord of the sun and moon. Horus' eye, or Wedjat, was a sign of protection and the most universally recognized Egyptian symbol.

Read More: Isis: Goddess of Funeral Rites and Healing in Ancient Egypt

3. "Call me Ishmael" is the first line of which book?

“Call me Ishmael” is the first line of the 1851 classic, “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville.

Learn More: Quiz: Guess the Book From Its Opening Line

4. True or false: Female moose are called cows.

True. Female moose are called cows and males are called bulls.

Read More: Why Are Moose Dangerous, Even More Threatening Than Bears?

5. Which animal's sting ranks at the top of the Schmidt Sting Pain Index?

The bullet ant, which lives in the rainforests of Central and South America, is infamous for its excruciating sting, which ranks at the top of the Schmidt Sting Pain Index.

Learn More: 10 Cool Animals That Stand Out in a Crowd

Answers for June 15, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Hippo milk is pink.

False. Like all mammals, hippos produce white or off-white milk, not pink.

Read More: Is Hippo Milk Really Pink?

2. How many countries are there in the world?

Currently, the United Nations recognizes 195 countries globally.

Learn More: Organizing the Countries of the World by Continent

3. Which of the following birds can fly?

The albatross is the only bird on this list that can fly. The cassowary, penguin and ostrich are all flightless birds.

Read More: Birds Fly, Right? Meet 7 That Totally Can't

4. True or false: Female bald eagles are larger than males.

True. Female bald eagles are larger than males and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 14 pounds (4.5 to 6.3 kilograms). Her wingspan will be between 6 to 7 feet (1.8 to 2.1 meters) while the male eagle is smaller, at around 9 to 10 pounds (4 to 4.5 kilograms). His wingspan is about 5.5 to 6 feet (1.6 to 1.8 meters).

Learn More: Bald Eagles Aren't Really Bald, Plus 6 Other Facts

5. Which of these movies passes the Bechdel Test?

"CODA," which won three Academy Awards in 2021, passes the Bechdel Test.

Read More: What the Bechdel Test Says About Women in Film

Answers for June 8, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: King Henry VIII coined the phrase "all intensive purposes" in an English Act of Parliament.

False. "All intensive purposes" is the butchered form of "all intents and purposes," which King Henry VIII coined in an English Act of Parliament.

Learn More: 10 Common Sayings You're Probably Saying Wrong

2. What is the most common birthday in the U.S.?

Sept. 9 was the most common birthday in the U.S. Between 1994 and 2014, an average of 12,301 babies were born on that particular day of the year.

Read More: What Are the Most and Least Popular Birthdays in the U.S.?

3. Who was the most powerful Norse god?

The Norse god Odin was king of all the gods and goddesses and the paramount deity who reigned on the throne of Asgard. Odin was known as the all-father, or supreme deity, who decided on matters of war and death.

Learn More: Norse Mythology: Gods, Goddesses, Yggdrasil and More

4. True or false: North America encompasses 23 dependent territories or non-sovereign states.

True. In addition to 23 countries, North America encompasses 23 dependent territories or non-sovereign states.

Read More: Did You Know There Are 23 Countries in North America?

5. The phrase "holy cow" is often associated with announcers for which sport?

The phrase "holy cow" is often associated with baseball announcers Phil Rizzuto and Harry Caray. During broadcasts Caray would often deliver a memorable "hooooo-leeeee coooow!" Some people believed that Rizzuto or Caray might have come up with the phrase.

Learn More: Why Do We Say 'Holy Cow'?

Answers for June 1, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: In a Facebook name, you can include symbols, numbers, unusual capitalization, repeating characters or punctuation.

False. According to Meta's guidelines, you cannot include symbols, numbers, unusual capitalization, repeating characters or punctuation in your Facebook name.

Read More: How to Change Your Name on Facebook

2. What was the name of the World War II operation that fooled the Nazis into believing that the Allies were going to invade Greece instead of Sicily?

During World War II, Operation Mincemeat fooled the Nazis into believing that the Allies were going to invade Greece instead of Sicily.

Learn More: 'Operation Mincemeat': The Wild Spy Deception That Helped Win WWII

3. Who discovered radium?

Marie Curie and Pierre Curie discovered radium in 1898. At the time, radium was only the third radioactive element discovered.

Read More: The Radium Girls' Dark Story Still Glows With Death and Deceit

4. True or false: About 30 percent of babies are born with hair on their heads.

True. About 30 percent of babies are born with hair on their heads.

Learn More: Got a Cowlick? Hair Styling Doesn't Have to Be Impossible

5. Which is not a basic Boolean operator?

WITH is not a basic Boolean operator. The basic Boolean operators are AND, OR and NOT.

Read More: How Boolean Logic Works

Answers for May 25, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Donkeys have impeccable memories.

True. Donkeys have impeccable memories and can recall places or other donkeys they met for up to 25 years.

Read More: Are Mules, Burros and Jackasses All Donkeys?

2. What is the birth flower for the month of May?

The May birth flower is the lily of the valley which symbolizes humility, sweetness, the return of happiness and motherhood.

Learn More: What's Your Birth Month Flower?

3. Which is not one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.K.?

The Cane Corso is not one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.K. The most popular dog breeds in the U.K. are the Labrador retriever, Cocker spaniel, Jack Russell terrier and mixed breed.

Read More: 12 of the Biggest Dog Breeds in the World

4. True or false: The blue-ringed octopus is extremely friendly.

False. The blue-ringed octopus is extremely venomous. Its venom is 1,000 times more powerful than cyanide and each octopus has enough venom to kill more than 20 humans within minutes.

Learn More: The Tiny Blue-ringed Octopus Is the Ocean's Deadliest

5. What is the generational name for people born between 1928 and 1945?

The Silent Generation is the name given to people born between 1928 and 1945. This moniker was coined by a 1951 Time magazine article, observing the generation's tendency to be more cautious, conformist and less vocal about their political and social views than their predecessors.

Read More: Deciphering Generation Names, Birth Years and Stereotypes

Answers for May 18, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Scallions and green onions are the same.

True. Scallions and green onions are simply different names for the species Allium fistulosum, a member of the onion family.

Learn More: Scallions vs. Green Onions: What's the Difference?

2. Which is the largest airport in the world by total area?

At 299.61 square miles (776 square kilometers), King Fahd International Airport is the largest airport in the world by total area.

Read More: What Are the 7 Biggest Airports in the World?

3. Which Celtic knot serves as an ancient symbol of protection?

The Celtic shield knot is an ancient symbol of protection. Traditionally, the design was used to ward off evil spirits or enemies.

Learn More: Every Celtic Knot Holds Meaning Within Its Intricate Design

4. True or false: Ground speed measures an airplane's speed relative to the surrounding air.

False. Airspeed measures an airplane's speed relative to the surrounding air, while ground speed measures its speed over the ground, factoring in wind speed.

Read More: What's the Difference Between Airspeed and Ground Speed?

5. Which Aztec god is known as the creator god?

One of the most important Aztec gods, Tezcatlipoca was the creator god.

Read More: 10 Important Aztec Gods and Goddesses

Answers for May 11, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Strongly lateralized squirrels are very good at learning.

False. Dr. Lisa Leaver, program director of the Master Science Exeter Animal Behavior program, found that strongly lateralized squirrels are not good at learning.

Read More: Squirrels Can Be Left- or Right-handed

2. Where is the mineral tanzanite found?

Tanzanite is mined from an 8-square-mile (20-square-kilometer) area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Learn More: Tanzanite Is Africa's Real Blue Diamond

3. Which chemical compound is responsible for “old person” smell?

Japanese researchers traced the stale, medicinal, musty or simply "old person" odor to a chemical compound called 2-nonenal.

Read More: What Causes 'Old Person' Smell?

4. True or false: Geodes and agates are formed in the same way.

False. Agates develop as successive deposits of silica precipitate out of groundwater, filling the cavity completely. In contrast, geodes form when the mineral deposits do not completely fill the cavity.

Learn More: What Are Geodes and Where Can You Find Them?

5. Which mineral scores a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness?

Diamonds score a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness.

Read More: Moissanite vs. Diamond: Which Is the Best Engagement Ring?

Answers for May 4, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: In the United States, it is illegal to go without a name.

False. In the United States, going without a name is not inherently illegal, but it can make life very hard.

Learn More: Is It Illegal Not to Have a Name?

2. What year was the spider-tailed horned viper named a new species?

The spider-tailed horned viper was named a new species in 2006.

Read More: How the Spider-tailed Horned Viper Tricks Unsuspecting Prey

3. In Japanese culture, the mythical ningyo is a fishlike creature with the mouth of what animal?

In Japanese culture, ningyo (a word that combines person and fish) is a fishlike creature with the mouth of a monkey

Learn More: Are Mermaids Real? A Look at Mermaid Myths Across Cultures

4. True or false: The goatman is a real creature lurking in places like Denton County, Texas.

False. Despite numerous goatman sightings reported over the decades, there remains a lack of evidence to prove the existence of such a creature.

Read More: Goatman Legends of Ancient Greece and Modern America

5. In ancient Rome, how many names did people usually have?

In ancient Rome, people often had five names. The first three names were like today's modern surname, middle name and last name. The last two names usually revealed the person's clan or place of origin.

Learn More: Why Do We Have Middle Names?

Answers for April 27, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Any whole number to the left side of 0 on a number line is a positive number.

False. Any whole number to the left side of 0 on a number line is a negative number.

Read More: How to Make a Number Line for the Classroom

2. Which country is the hottest country in the world?

The title of the hottest country in the world goes to Mali. The average annual temperature in Mali is approximately 84.6 degrees Fahrenheit (29.21 degrees Celsius).

Learn More: 7 of the 10 Hottest Countries in the World Are on 1 Continent

3. Which documentary was Tilikum, SeaWorld’s captive orca, a subject of?

Tilikum was the subject of the 2013 documentary "Blackfish," which suggested that keeping large marine mammals like killer whales in captivity could be harmful to their mental health.

Read More: The True and Tragic Story of Tilikum, SeaWorld's Captive Orca

4. True or false: Helen Keller piloted a plane.

True. In June 1946, Helen Keller piloted a four-engine Douglas Skymaster for 20 minutes of its route over the Mediterranean Sea.

Learn More: How Did Helen Keller Fly a Plane in 1946?

5. Which is not a primary color for bees?

The primary colors for bees are green, blue and ultraviolet. Red is not a primary color for bees.

Read More: 6 Facts About How Bees Learn, Think and Make Decisions

Answers for April 20, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: The United Kingdom and Great Britain are the same.

False. The United Kingdom is not the same as Great Britain. The U.K. is a nation-state composed of four countries while Great Britain is the physical landmass that's home to three of those countries.

Learn More: What's the Difference Between England, the U.K. and Great Britain?

2. Where did Butch Cassidy’s first bank robbery happen?

Butch Cassidy's first bank robbery is generally agreed to have happened in June 1889, at the San Miguel Valley Bank in Telluride, Colorado.

Read More: 5 Facts About the Immortal Butch Cassidy

3. Al Capone's mobsters were involved in a war over which nonalcoholic beverage?

Al Capone's mobsters were involved in a war over milk when they bought Meadowmoor Dairies, intending to bully their way into the milk business.

Learn More: How Al Capone's Mobsters Outmuscled Chicago Milkmen

4. True or false: Martha Jane Canary, aka Calamity Jane, earned her nickname during the Newton-Jenney expedition.

True. Canary reportedly earned her nickname during the Newton-Jenney expedition. The soldiers she was with thought it would be a "calamity" if she were captured or killed by Indians.

Read More: Calamity Jane Rode Hard, Drank Even Harder and Became a Wild West Legend

5. What is the hawksbill sea turtle's favorite food?

Unlike other sea turtles, the hawksbill sea turtle's favorite food is sponges.

Learn More: The Hawksbill Turtle Is a Critically Endangered Sea Turtle

Answers for April 13, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Square Foot Gardening works the best in arid climates.

False. Square Foot Gardening doesn't work well in arid climates because the raised beds dry out quickly.

Read More: Square Foot Gardening: The Planting Method Created By an Engineer

2. The bobbit worm’s scientific name, Eunice aphroditois, is a nod to which Greek god?

The scientific name Eunice aphroditois is a subtle nod to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.

Learn More: Yes, the Bobbit Worm Is Real and Somewhat Terrifying

3. In 2024, which country ranked as the happiest country in the world?

In 2024, Finland ranked as the world's happiest country for the seventh year in a row.

Read More: What Are the Happiest Countries in the World?

4. True or false: Even if you deadhead peonies, they won't bloom again.

True. Some perennials, like peonies, won't bloom again, even if you deadhead them.

Learn More: How Deadheading Helps Flowering Plants Flourish

5. Where did stromboli originate?

Stromboli is an Italian American dish created at Romano's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria in Essington, Pennsylvania, just outside Philadelphia.

Read More: Stromboli vs. Calzone: Different Branches of Pizza Lineage

Answers for April 6, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: The pink fairy armadillo is the smallest species of armadillo.

True. Measuring 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and weighing up to a quarter of a pound (0.11 kilograms), the pink fairy armadillo is the smallest species of armadillo.

Learn More: 6 of the Weirdest Animals on the Planet

2. Which type of solar eclipse will be visible from North America on April 8, 2024?

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be visible from North America.

Read More: How Solar Eclipses Work

3. In which country is the largest pyramid in the world located?

Located in Mexico, the Quetzalcóatl Pyramid at Cholula de Rivadavia is the Guinness World Record holder for the title of the largest pyramid in the world.

Learn More: What's the Largest Pyramid in the World?

4. True or false: Asia uses GSM-850 and GSM-1900.

False. Asia uses GSM-900 and GSM-1800 bands for their phone technology.

Read More: Millions of Phones Use GSM ... Meaning What, Exactly?

5. Which planet is the closest to the sun?

Mercury is 35.98 million miles (57.9 km) from the sun, making it the closest, while Neptune is 2.79 billion miles (4.49 billion km) from the sun, making it the farthest.

Learn More: What Are the Solar System Planets in Order?

Answers for March 30, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Every year, 125 million tennis balls end up in landfills in the USA.

True. Every year, 125 million tennis balls end up in landfills in the USA.

Read More: 11 Smart Uses for Old Tennis Balls

2. Where is the deepest lake in the world located?

Lake Baikal, located in Siberia, is the deepest lake in the world at 5,387 feet (1,642 meters) deep.

Learn More: How Deep Is the Deepest Lake in the World?

3. How much of the world's plastic waste is currently being recycled?

According to the World Economic Forum, just 14 percent of the world's plastic waste is being recycled.

Read More: 7 Ingenious Reuses for Plastic Bottles and Boxes

4. True or false: All four of the Zodiac killer's ciphers have been solved.

False. As of 2022, only two of the Zodiac killer's four ciphers have been definitively solved.

Learn More: 10 Serial Killers Who Have Never Been Caught

5. Which animal is on the IUCN Red List as "critically endangered"?

Gharials are on the IUCN Red List as "critically endangered." There are about 650 adult gharials in the wild.

Read More: Gharial: The Rare Crocodilian With an Extremely Narrow Snout

Answers for March 23, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Laundry stripping should be performed after every wash.

False. Laundry stripping shouldn't be done very often — only a few times per year, as over-stripping can cause fabrics to break down.

Learn More: What Is Laundry Stripping and Is It Worth Trying?

2. Which dog breed is considered the most intelligent?

The border collie, a type of herding dog, is considered the most intelligent dog breed; most can learn a new command in under five repetitions and follow it at least 95 percent of the time.

Read More: Is Your Pup One of the 10 Smartest Dog Breeds?

3. Which three vegetables make up the famous "three sisters" combination?

One of the earliest and best-known examples of companion planting is what the Iroquois called "the three sisters": corn, beans and squash. The cornstalk grows quickly, creating a natural pole for the bean plant to climb. The squash spreads its leaves and shallow roots around the base of the bean and corn plants, keeping down weeds and shading the soil. The beans provide nitrogen that helps the squash grow.

Learn More: Companion Planting: The Do's and Don'ts of Growing Plants Together

4. True or false: Rayon fabric is likely to shrink in the wash.

True. According to textile expert Deborah Young, the more absorbent the fiber, the more it will shrink. Rayon is incredibly absorbent.

Read More: How to Unshrink Your Clothes

5. What type of color is brown?

Brown is a neutral color you can make by combining primary colors or mixing secondary colors with complementary colors.

Learn More: What Colors Make Brown? And How Do You Make Different Shades?

Answers for March 16, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Jennifer Lopez's revealing Grammy dress in 2000 was the direct inspiration for creating Google Image search.

True. According to a blog post by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, Jennifer Lopez's revealing dress at the 2000 Grammy Awards was the direct inspiration for creating Google Image search.

Read More: What Happens to Red Carpet Dresses After Celebrities Wear Them?

2. Who was the first female recipient of the Abel Prize?

In 2019, Karen Uhlenbeck became the first female recipient of the Abel Prize, the highest honor in mathematics. The award was in recognition of Uhlenbeck's pioneering work in geometric partial differential equations and gauge theory.

Learn More: 5 Trailblazing Female Mathematicians

3. As of 2024, how many countries are there in the world?

As of 2024, there are 195 countries in the world.

Read More: What Are the 7 Largest Countries in the World by Area?

4. True or false: Maya Angelou was the second person ever to read a poem at a U.S. presidential inauguration.

True. In 1993, Angelou became the second person ever to read a poem at a U.S. presidential inauguration. She composed and read "On the Pulse of Morning" at the first inauguration of President Bill Clinton. The first person to read a poem at a U.S. presidential inauguration was Robert Frost at John F. Kennedy's Inauguration.

Learn More: 5 Eloquent and Enduring Maya Angelou Quotes

5. Which animal family does the African wild dog belong to?

The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), is a carnivorous mammal in the Canidae family, the same family as coyotes, domestic dogs and wolves.

Read More: African Wild Dog: Not the Hyena You Think It Is

Answers for March 9, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Similar to North Americans, Italians fear the number 13.

False. Italians consider the number 13 lucky. However, In Italy, the number 17 gets the same treatment as 13 does in the U.S.

Learn More: 13 Superstitions About Lucky Numbers and Unlucky Numbers

2. Which cult was classified as a UFO religion?

The Heaven's Gate cult is classified as a UFO religion. Members believed they would leave their bodies behind and their consciousness would transfer into an immortal extraterrestrial being. You can learn more about Heaven's Gate in Apple TV’s documentary, "Heaven's Gate: The Cult of Cults."

Read More: 9 Cult Documentaries You Can Stream Now

3. What are your chances of finding a four-leaf clover?

Your chances of finding a four-leaf clover are a measly one in 10,000. It's that rarity that accounts for the luck associated with four-leaf clovers.

Learn More: Why Is a Four-leaf Clover Lucky?

4. True or false: There's a three-way tie for the WNBA's highest paid player.

True. For the 2024 season, there's a three-way tie for the WNBA's highest paid player. Arike Ogunbowale, Kahleah Copper and Jewell Loyd can all expect bases of $241,984 — the highest maximum base allowable in the league for 2024.

Read More: Who Is the Highest Paid WNBA Player in 2024?

5. Which metal did early Western Europeans believe to have magical powers?

Early Western Europeans believed that iron had magical powers and could drive away evil. Horseshoes, being made of iron, naturally became protective talismans.

Learn More: The Mystique of the Lucky Horseshoe: History and Beliefs

Answers for March 2, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Two popes and two queens came from the Medici line.

True. Pope Leo X and Pope Clement VII were the sons of Lorenzo de' Medici and his brother, Giuliano. Catherine de' Medici married into the French monarchy in 1533 and Marie, another Medici, was queen of France in the early 17th century.

Read More: Murder! Money! Power! Art! Meet the Medici Family

2. Which country does not border the Caspian Sea?

Georgia does not border the Caspian Sea. The Caspian Sea is bordered by five countries: Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia.

Read More: Caspian Sea: The World's Largest Lake (Yes, You Read That Right)

3. Which war is "the face that launched a thousand ships" blamed for starting?

Helen of Troy, described as "the face that launched a thousand ships,” is blamed for inadvertently starting the Trojan War.

Read More: The Curse of Beauty: How Helen of Troy Was Blamed for Sparking the Trojan War

4. True or false: Mezcal comes from one species, the blue Weber agave plant.

False. Tequila comes from one species, the blue Weber agave plant (Agave tequilana), but mezcal is not required to come from a specific species. It just must be 100 percent agave.

Read More: Mezcal vs. Tequila: A Guide to Agave-based Spirits

5. What is the longest living animal on record?

The longest living animal on record is a clam known as the ocean quahog. One individual, nicknamed "Ming," holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest non-colonial animal ever discovered.

Read More: What Is the Longest Living Animal? From Tortoises to Whales

Answers for February 24, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Casu marzu is illegal in the United States and Italy.

True. Even though casu marzu originated in Sardinia, Italy, the cheese has been illegal to sell in Italy since 1962.

Learn More: Would You Eat Casu Marzu, the Illegal Cheese With Maggots?

2. What color lightsaber does Obi-Wan Kenobi wield?

Obi-Wan Kenobi wields a blue lightsaber that symbolizes protection and justice. Characters with a blue lightsaber are typically Jedi guardians of peace and enforcers of justice throughout the galaxy.

Read More: Lightsaber Color Meanings: From Sith Red to Jedi Green

3. In Yellowstone National Park, which animal tends to injure more visitors than any other animal?

In Yellowstone National Park, bison tend to injure more visitors than any other animal. The National Park Service recommends keeping at least 25 yards (23 meters) of distance between yourself and a bison.

Learn More: Bison vs. Buffalo: What's the Difference?

4. True or false: The Maillard reaction and caramelization are the same.

False. Caramelization is the browning of sugars, while the Maillard reaction is a bit more complex and involves the interaction between amino acids and sugars. The Maillard reaction also begins to occur at a lower temperature than caramelization and produces many complex flavor compounds.

Read More: The Maillard Reaction and the Science of Browning Foods

5. What is the brightest star in the universe?

The title of the brightest star in the universe, in terms of intrinsic luminosity, belongs to the luminous blue variable star Eta Carinae. UY Scuti is the largest star in the universe but not the brightest.

Learn More: The Largest Star in the Universe Is 1,700x Bigger Than Our Sun

Answers for February 17, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Airplane mode is a proven way to extend your cell phone's battery life.

True. A 2016 test by Wirecutter on both iOS and Android devices showed that browsing media in airplane mode caused the phone’s batteries to degrade only a few percent over four hours. By contrast, the batteries dropped up to 10 percent over the same time period with wireless functions enabled.

Read More: What Does Airplane Mode Do? And Can It Save Battery Life?

2. Which three letters can you find on most zipper pulls?

YKK, which was originally called Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha, is a massive company that makes zippers.

Read More: Why Do Most Zippers Say "YKK" on the Pull-tab?

3. Which of the following statements is not true about the kākāpo?

The kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus) is a large, flightless parrot from New Zealand. It has a 132-decibel mating call known as a "boom," and it was declared critically endangered in 2000.

Read More: 4 Kākāpō Facts That Are Almost Too Cool to Be True

4. True or false: Bad weather doesn't actually affect internet connections.

False. Satellite internet is more likely to have interference during bad weather than any other type of internet service. Data reception might slow down significantly, or it could even cut off completely for several minutes at a time.

Read More: Does Weather Mess With Your Internet Connection?

5. How many live Ili pikas have been spotted since the species was first discovered in 1983?

The Ili pika, a master of hiding, has eluded scientists for decades. Since its discovery, only 29 live individuals have been spotted.

Read More: The Ili Pika May Be the Most Adorable Endangered Species

Answers for February 10, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: When you have a bleach stain you should wash the stain with warm water to mitigate the effect.

False. Washing with warm water can intensify the bleach's action. You should wash or rinse the stained area with cold water to help mitigate the effect.

Read More: How to Get Rid of Bleach Stains

2. Which president was never served a subpoena?

George Washington was not subpoenaed but former presidents John Quincy Adams, Donald Trump and Richard Nixon have all been subpoenaed, whether in front of Congress or in civil trials.

Read More: Can You Ignore a Subpoena?

3. Where is pink Himalayan salt mined?

Many people think it's from India, but virtually all pink Himalayan salt is mined in a hilly region of Pakistan.

Read More: What's the Difference Between Kosher Salt and Table Salt?

4. True or false: The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia.

True. The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia. It is also a critical habitat for various species, such as the Yangtze finless porpoise.

Read More: Yangtze Finless Porpoise: The World's Only Freshwater Porpoise

5. Which is not considered one of the official grades for paprika?

Extra is not one of the official grades for paprika. The four official grades are: special, gourmet, noble and rose.

Read More: Paprika Is Way More Than Just Deviled Egg Dust

Answers for February 3, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: The difference between road salt and table salt is that road salt is a non-purified version of regular salt, with more minerals in the mix.

True. Road salt is just a non-purified version of regular salt, with more minerals in the mix. That is the main difference.

Read More: Why Does Salt Melt Ice on the Roads in Winter?

2. Where is the world’s largest McDonald's located?

The world's largest McDonald's is located in Orlando, Florida, at 6875 Sandlake Road.

Read More: 5 Facts About the World's Largest McDonald's

3. What is the smallest and most common chipmunk species?

The smallest and most common chipmunk species is the least chipmunk (Tamias minimus), a tiny rodent — 7.2 to 8.5 inches (18.3 to 21.6 centimeters) tall and 1.1 to 1.8 ounces (31.2 to 51.0 grams) in weight — with a white underbelly.

Read More: Chipmunk vs. Squirrel Sizes, Habitats and Characteristics

4. True or false: Ocean water cannot freeze.

False. Just like fresh water, ocean water can freeze; it just does it at a lower temperature. Sea water freezes at about 28.4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 2 degrees Celsius) because of its salt content.

Read More: The Mpemba Effect: Does Hot Water Really Freeze Faster Than Cold Water?

5. Which snake has invaded the Florida Everglades?

Although they are known for their presence in the remote waters of the Amazon rainforest, the green anaconda has found an unexpected home in the Florida Everglades.

Read More: Green Anaconda: Meet the Heaviest Snake in the World

Answers for January 27, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: According to a study by University of Alberta Psychology professor Chris Westbury, the word found to be the absolute least funny was “harassment.”

True. When Professor Chris Westbury applied his mathematical model to a dataset of 45,516 English words, he found that the word “harassment” was the least funny.

Read More: Why 'Poop' and 'Wiggle' Are Funny Words, According to Science

2. Which Mafia is the most powerful in the world?

La Cosa Nostra is considered the most powerful Mafia on the planet, controlling one in five businesses in Italy and many businesses in other parts of the world, including the U.S.

Read More: 10 Businesses Supposedly Controlled by the Mafia

3. In which country is the Amur leopard not found?

The Amur leopard is not found in Mongolia. It is only found in a small swath of land where Russia, China and North Korea meet.

Read More: Amur Leopard: The Rarest Big Cat in the World

4. True or false: “Bourgeois” can only be used as a noun.

False. “Bourgeois” can be a noun or an adjective, referring to one middle-class person or that person's middle-class behavior.

Read More: How Did 'Bourgeoisie' Become a Bad Word?

5. Which was included in Merriam-Webster’s 2020 words of the year list?

After Joe Biden used "malarkey" in a 2020 presidential debate it was in the top 30 percent of all lookups on Merriam-Webster’s site. Later the same dictionary included it in their 2020 words of the year list.

Read More: Malarkey: What's the Story Behind Joe Biden's Favorite Word?

Answers for January 20, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: You should use glass cleaner and a paper towel to clean your glasses.

False. Don't use glass cleaner, despite its name, as it can remove any coatings that you've paid to have on your lenses. Also, stay away from paper towels because they can scratch your lenses. Instead, dish soap is your best bet to get rid of those smudges.

Read More: How to Best Clean Your Glasses, for Real

2. In which U.S. state is it illegal to pump your own gas?

It is illegal in New Jersey to pump your own gas. The official ban on self-serve gas in Jersey began in 1949 with the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act, citing safety concerns like fire hazards. Since then, state law dictates that a gas station attendant must pump your gas.

Read More: Why Can't You Pump Your Own Gas in New Jersey?

3. Which building is currently the tallest building in the world?

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai currently holds the title of the world’s tallest building, measuring 2,717 feet (828 meters) tall.

Read More: Will the Jeddah Tower, World's Tallest Building, Ever Be Finished?

4. True or false: You should keep your gas tank at least a quarter full at all times.

True. Experts say you should keep your gas tank at least a quarter full at all times. Doing this will keep you from getting in a dangerous situation where you're low on gas and too far from a gas station. It will also avoid damaging your car.

Read More: Running on Empty? How Bad Is It for Your Car?

5. Which of the following is not one of the five common VOCs that make up most of the off-gassing found in the interiors of new cars?

Acetone is not one of the five common VOCs that make up most of the off-gassing found in the interiors of new cars. The five common VOCs are: ethylbenzene, trimethylbenzene, xylenes, styrene and toluene.

Read More: What Causes 'New Car Smell'?

Answers for January 13, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: "Monsters, Inc." was Pixar's first feature film.

False. Released in 1995, "Toy Story" was Pixar's first feature film. The film takes place in a fictional world where anthropomorphic toys pretend to be lifeless when humans are present, but come to life when children and adults leave the room.

Read More: 20 of the Most Iconic Duos in Movie History

2. What is the most common eye color in the world?

Brown is the most common eye color in the world. Between 70 and 80 percent of the world's population have eyes that are some shade of brown, from the darkest brown to light brown.

Read More: Do You Have One of the 6 Rarest Eye Colors in the World?

3. Which of these movies passes the Bechdel Test?

"Mean Girls" passes all three tests of the Bechdel Test. "Casablanca," "Jackie Brown" and "Oppenheimer" all fail the Bechdel Test despite having prominent female characters.

Read More: What the Bechdel Test Says About Women in Film

4. True or false: As of 2023, there were no trillionaires in the world.

True. As of 2023, there were no trillionaires in the world. However, according to estimates, it is possible that Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos might achieve this status eventually.

Read More: How Much Actual Money Is There in the World?

5. Which spice gives curry powder its bright yellow color?

Turmeric gives curry powder its bright yellow color, but in addition to flavoring dishes, this spice has been used medicinally and in religious ceremonies for more than 4,000 years.

Read More: The Truth About Turmeric: What Health Benefits Does It Really Have?

Answers for January 6, 2024, Quiz

1. True or false: Agatha Christie’s book sales are only surpassed by sales of the Bible and the works of Shakespeare.

True. Agatha Christie is considered the best-selling novelist of all time, having sold more than 2 billion copies of her many titles. That figure is only surpassed by sales of the Bible and the works of Shakespeare.

Read More: What Was Really Behind Agatha Christie's Mysterious Disappearance?

2. In which famous hotel was Elisa Lam found dead?

In 2013, 21-year-old college student Elisa Lam died in the water tank of the Cecil Hotel. The Cecil Hotel is notorious for mysterious deaths.

Read More: How Did Elisa Lam End Up Dead in a Hotel Water Tank?

3. Which film is responsible for making the Wilhelm scream famous?

Although the scream was created almost two decades earlier in a 1953 film titled "The Charge at Feather River," "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope" made it popular. The Wilhelm scream was used in every Star Wars film through 2015's "The Force Awakens," and in numerous other flicks.

Read More: If You Hear a Scream in a Movie, It's Probably the Wilhelm Scream

4. True or false: The main difference between cleaning vinegar and white vinegar is the concentration.

True. White vinegar is 95 percent water and 5 percent acetic acid, while cleaning vinegar is 94 percent water and 6 percent acetic acid. While a 1-percent difference doesn't seem like a big deal, it actually is. That extra 1 percent of acid in undiluted cleaning vinegar amplifies its power and makes it 20 percent stronger than white vinegar.

Read More: What's the Difference Between Cleaning Vinegar and White Vinegar?

5. Where is the deepest man-made hole in the world located?

The Kola Superdeep Borehole, located in Russia, is the world's deepest man-made hole, reaching a depth of 40,230 feet (12,262 meters) or 7.6 miles (12.2 kilometers).

Read More: Why Did the Russians Seal Up the Deepest Hole in the World?

Answers for December 30, 2023, Quiz

1. True or false: When giving a gift to a close friend, you should wrap the present sloppily.

True. According to a 2019 study, when opening gifts from a close friend, recipients ended up liking the sloppily wrapped gift more.

Read More: Why Gift Recipients Have a Surprising Preference for Sloppy Wrapping

2. On what TV show did Festivus originate?

The celebration of Festivus appeared on the legendary TV sitcom "Seinfeld," endorsed by character Frank Costanza.

Read More: How Festivus Works

3. In which war did the Christmas Truce occur?

On Christmas Eve in 1914, during World War I, German soldiers and British troops came together to celebrate Christmas, resulting in the famous Christmas Truce.

Read More: What Was the Christmas Truce?

4. True or false: Kwanzaa is a religious holiday.

False. Unlike Christmas and Hanukkah, which are religious holidays, Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday.

Read More: How Kwanzaa Works

5. The main character in this holiday flick declares, "This is my house. I have to defend it," before he sets up an array of booby traps. What movie is it?

This quote comes from the beloved 1990 Christmas comedy "Home Alone," in which a creative and witty young boy must fight off two criminals attempting to rob his house over Christmas.

Read More: Can You Name The Christmas Movie From A Famous Quote?

Answers for December 23, 2023, Quiz

1. True or false: The acronym "a.m." is short for the Latin term ante meridiem.

True. The acronym "a.m. is short for the Latin term ante meridiem, or "before midday"; p.m., is short for post meridiem, or "after midday."

Read More: What Do A.M. and P.M. Stand For?

2. In which state is porch piracy not a felony?

In Alabama, porch piracy is not considered a felony. In the U.S., 13 states, including Georgia, New Jersey and Texas, have passed or introduced laws to make porch piracy a felony.

Read More: How to Protect Your Packages From Porch Pirates

3. Which plant is the highest-selling potted plant in the world?

The highest-selling potted plant in the world is poinsettias. During the holiday season, $250 million worth of poinsettia plants are sold in the United States alone, and the plants are even more popular in Europe.

Read More: Poinsettia: The Mexican Christmas Flower That Blooms in the Dark

4. True or false: Snakes are typically poisonous animals.

False. Snakes are usually venomous because venom is active; the snake must bite you for the toxin to get into your body and cause harm. A poisonous animal is passive, meaning you have to bite or touch the animal to receive its toxin.

Read More: Venomous vs. Poisonous: Is There a Difference?

5. Where is the deepest part of the global ocean located?

The deepest part of the global ocean is the Mariana Trench. Measuring its exact depth has proven tricky, but the deepest part of the trench is deeper than Mount Everest is tall. That’s very deep!

Read More: How Deep Is the Ocean?

Answers for December 16, 2023, Quiz

1. True or false: Patrick Dempsey has competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

True. Patrick Dempsey has driven in some of the most prestigious endurance races in the world including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Read More: 12 Celebrities Who Were Also Serious Race Car Drivers

2. Who is next in the line of succession for the British throne?

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge is next in the line of succession for the British throne because he is the oldest son of King Charles III.

Read More: The Tangled Line of Succession to the British Throne

3. Which breed is the largest cat breed?

The Maine Coon is recognized as the largest domestic cat breed in the world, with the biggest adult males weighing upwards of 30 pounds (13.6 kg).

Read More: 10 Biggest Cat Breeds to (Lovingly) Shed All Over Your Home

4. True or false: The United Kingdom is the same as Great Britain.

False. The United Kingdom refers to the nation-state composed of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Great Britain is the physical landmass that's home to three of those countries: England, Scotland and Wales.

Read More: What's the Difference Between England, the U.K. and Great Britain?

5. Which is a key component of catalytic converters?

Platinum is a key component of catalytic converters. In fact, about half of platinum's demand is actually for use in catalytic converters for transportation vehicles like buses, cars and trucks.

Read More: Platinum: What's So Special About the Shiny Metal?

Answers for December 9, 2023, Quiz

1. True or false: You should replace your weighted blanket every five years.

True. No matter how — or how often — you wash your weighted blanket, SleepFoundation.org recommends replacing it every five years.

Read More: How to Wash a Weighted Blanket

2. Which country does not own land in the Arctic Circle?

France does not own land in the Arctic Circle. Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, the United States, Canada, Denmark and Iceland are the only eight countries that own land in the Arctic Circle.

Read More: What Is the Arctic Circle? 9 Stone-cold Facts About the Region

3. What is the world’s longest venomous snake?

With lengths up to 19 feet (5.85 meters), the king cobra is the world’s longest venomous snake.

Read More: Biggest Snakes in the World: Meet Earth's Giant Serpents

4. True or false: Josephine Cochran invented the first practical dishwashing machine.

True. Josephine Cochran invented the first practical dishwashing machine in 1886. The machine was hand-operated, and users had to turn a wheel using a hand crank on the outside of the machine.

Read More: Which Works Best: Dishwasher Pods or Powders?

5. Which neurotransmitter is related to experiences of pleasure?

Dopamine is related to experiences of pleasure and the reward-learning process. In other words, when you do something good, you're rewarded with dopamine and gain a pleasurable, happy feeling.

Read More: What Part of the Brain Controls Emotions?

Answers for December 2, 2023, Quiz

1. True or false: Marie Antoinette said, "Let them eat cake."

False. Although that's probably the first thing that comes into your head when you think of the French queen, there's no evidence she made that retort upon hearing her subjects had no bread to eat.

Read More: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Marie Antoinette

2. Where is the coldest place on Earth?

The coldest place on Earth is a high ridge located on the East Antarctic Plateau, where temperatures can fall to minus 136 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 93.2 degrees Celsius).

Read More: Where Is the Coldest Place on Earth?

3. How tall was French general Napoleon Bonaparte (in modern measurement units) when he died ?

Napoleon wasn't really that short. At the time of his death, he measured 5 feet 2 inches in French units, the equivalent of 5 feet, 6.5 inches (169 centimeters) in modern measurement units. For reference, the global mean height for men born in 1996 was 171 centimeters, or 5 feet, 7.3 inches.

Read More: Was Napoleon Really Short?

4. True or false: In 2020, only 20 pilots had permission to land at Paro International Airport in Paro, Bhutan.

True. In 2020, only 20 pilots had permission to land at Paro International Airport in Paro, Bhutan, which sits at an elevation of 7,364 feet (2,244.5 meters) above sea level.

Read More: The Most Dangerous Airport in the World, Plus 12 Nail-biters

5. Where is the largest aquarium in the U.S. located?

The Georgia Aquarium is the biggest aquarium in the U.S., whether you measure by the number of fish (more than 100,000) or the volume of water (more than a million cubic feet). It houses about 500 species in 60 habitats with 12,000 square feet (1,115 square meters) of viewing windows, and it cost $290 million to build.

Read More: Inside the Biggest Aquarium in the U.S.: Georgia Aquarium

Answers for November 25, 2023, Quiz

1. True or false: Up until the late 19th century, people regularly ate breakfast pie.

True. Up until the late 19th century, people regularly ate breakfast pie, including flavors like pumpkin and apple. Breakfast pie was on hotel and restaurant menus and held a regular spot in the homes of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Oliver Wendell Holmes.

Read More: The Humble History of Pumpkin Pie

2. Which dog breed has the strongest bite force?

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs have the strongest bite force (743 pounds per square inch) of any domestic dog breed.

Read More: Finding the Strongest Dog Bite in 10 Breeds

3. Which of the following are not tuberous root vegetables?

Eggplants are not a tuberous root vegetable. Root and tuber vegetables include potatoes, carrots, parsnips, turnips, beetroot, sweet potato and taro. Tubers grow in the ground with most of the vegetable located at the root.

Read More: What's the Difference Between Sweet Potatoes and Yams?

4. True or false: Black Friday is only celebrated by Americans.

False. Simon-Kucher & Partners, a pricing consultant firm, says 77 percent of people residing in countries outside the U.S. participate in Black Friday shopping sales. This is largely thanks to international shipping.

Read More: How Black Friday Became Big Business Around the World

5. According to a 2021 study, which season has become longer?

A 2021 study published in Geophysical Research Letters explained that summers have started earlier and extended by 4.2 days every 10 years, resulting in a 17-day increase in summer length over the last half-century.

Read More: Is It Time to Redefine the Four Seasons of the Year?

Answers for November 18, 2023, Quiz

1. True or false: Penguins can fly.

False. None of the 18 species of penguins can fly, but their wings are still put to good use as flippers that help them swim quickly and avoid predators when they go hunting for fish.

Read More: Birds Fly, Right? Meet 7 That Totally Can't

2. Which color of noise is usually categorized as moderate rainfall or ocean waves?

Pink noise is akin to white noise but leans more towards bass and mid-range tones, resembling sounds like moderate rainfall or ocean waves.

Read More: Brown Noise vs. White Noise: Which Is Best for Quality Sleep?

3. Which eagle does the Guinness World Records recognize as the "largest eagle"?

Guinness World Records recognizes Steller's sea eagle as the "largest eagle," due to its combined wingspan (about 8 feet or 2.4 meters) and weight, which is about 11 to 20 pounds (5 to 9 kilograms).

Read More: 9 of the Largest Eagles in the World

4. True or false: Prokaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles and nucleus.

False. Prokaryotic cells lack the eukaryote's membrane-bound organelles and nucleus, which encapsulate the cell's DNA.

Read More: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells: What's the Difference?

5. Which cereal brand used the toucan as a mascot?

A number of brands such as Guinness beer and the Brazilian Social Democracy Party have used the toucan as their mascot, along with cereal brand Froot Loops.

Read More: The Toucan Is Far More Than the Froot Loops Mascot

Answers for November 11, 2023, Quiz

1. True or false: The Golden Gate Bridge is painted red.

False. The Golden Gate Bridge is painted International Orange. The color of the bridge was chosen after consulting architect Irving Morrow noticed the red lead primer of the steel and thought the red primer would serve the dual purpose of making the bridge stand out while blending in with the natural beauty of the area.

Read More: Golden Gate Bridge Facts for Your Next Trivia Night

2. Which president is responsible for giving dogs the name of Fido?

Abraham Lincoln is responsible for giving man’s best friend the name of Fido, after Lincoln's near-constant companion.

Read More: How Did 'Fido' Become the Default Name for a Dog?

3. What is the most common last name in Europe?

In Europe, the top surname is García, a name held by 1.7 million folks and the most popular last name in Spain.

Read More: What Are the Most Common Last Names in the World?

4. True or false: Humans are symbiotes.

True. The human digestive tract contains trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms. These bacteria serve a number of functions, but they primarily break down things that our digestive system cannot process by itself.

Read More: How a Symbiotic Relationship Works

5. Who was the first woman hired by Lockheed Martin?

Mary Golda Ross was the first woman and the first Native American engineer hired by Lockheed Martin. In the 1940s, Ross was one of two women on Lockheed Martin's storied Skunk Works team that designed next-generation fighter aircraft for World War II. She is also credited as a lead developer of the twin-tailed P-38 Lightning and recognized by NASA as one of the "hidden figures" of the 1960s space race.

Read More: 8 Native American Scientists You Should Know

Answers for November 4, 2023, Quiz

1. True or false: Candy companies produce nearly 35 million pounds (15.9 million kilograms) of candy corn each year.

True. According to the National Confectioners Association, candy companies produce nearly 35 million pounds (15.9 million kilograms) of candy corn each year. That's about 9 billion individual pieces of the sweet treat!

Read More: What Is Candy Corn and How Is It Made?

2. Which country does not use the metric system as their official unit of measurement?

Myanmar is one of three countries around the world that does not use the metric system as their official unit of measurement. The other two countries are the United States and Liberia.

Read More: What Countries Use the Imperial System?

3. How many horror movies premiered in 2017?

In 2017, 62 horror movies were released, including Stephen King's "It," which sold more than 36 million tickets and grossed more than $320.8 million.

Read More: Why It Feels So Good To Be Scared

4. True or false: 97 percent of the water on Earth is too salty to drink.

True. According to National Geographic, 97 percent of the water on Earth is too salty to drink. This is where desalination plants play a vital role, transforming our vast oceans (salt water) into drinkable reserves.

Read More: Desalination Plants: The Future of a Sustainable Water Supply

5. Which kitchen appliance uses the most energy?

Refrigerators use the most energy of any kitchen appliance. How much energy your fridge uses, however, depends on your particular model. In 2023, Energy Star-certified refrigerators ranged in consumption from 88 kWh/year for a mini fridge to 807 kWh/year for a 31-cubic-foot (0.88-cubic-meter) smart fridge.

Read More: What Uses the Most Electricity in a Home?

Answers for October 28, 2023, Quiz

1. True or false: Tanzanite mines are only found in one place on Earth.

True. Tanzanite is only mined in an 8-square-mile (20-square-kilometer) area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Read More: Tanzanite Is Africa's Real Blue Diamond

2. Which of these was not invented by Benjamin Franklin?

Benjamin Franklin is known for many inventions, including bifocal eyeglasses, political cartoons and an early version of swim fins, but he is not responsible for inventing the telephone. Alexander Graham Bell is credited with the invention of the telephone.

Read More: What Did Benjamin Franklin Invent? Much More Than Bifocals

3. Which color is known to have a calming effect on humans?

According to psychological studies, the color green is known to have a calming effect on humans, along with providing inspiration and increasing optimism.

Read More: Malachite Is the Gorgeous Green Gemstone Cleopatra Wore

4. True or false: We only use 10 percent of our brain.

False. We use our whole brain. It is a common myth that we only use 10 percent of our brain.

Read More: How Brain Mapping Works

5. Which famous stone is known as the "Great Star of Africa?"

The Cullinan I, also known as the "Great Star of Africa," is the largest colorless cut diamond in the world. It weighs more than 530 carats and is mounted on the Sovereign's Scepter, part of the British royal family's priceless crown jewels.

Read More: Was the Cullinan Diamond a Royal Gift or Stolen Gem?

Answers for October 21, 2023, Quiz

1. True or false: The earliest recorded use of the phrase "close, but no cigar" is in the script for the 1935 film "Annie Oakley."

False. The phrase "close, but no cigar" does appear in the script for “Annie Oakley” but there are earlier recorded uses of it in National Geographic magazine.

Read More: Why Do We Say, 'Close, But No Cigar'?

2. Which city is the rainiest city in the U.S.?

New Orleans, Louisiana, is the wettest city in the U.S., with an annual average rainfall of 66.1 inches (167.89 cm) [source: NCEI].

Read More: What Is the Rainiest City in the U.S.? Here are the Top 10

3. The phrase "holy cow" is often associated with announcers for which sport?

The phrase "holy cow," is often associated with baseball announcers Phil Rizzuto and Harry Caray. During broadcasts Caray would often deliver a memorable "hooooo-leeeee coooow!" Some people believed that Rizzuto or Caray might have originated the phrase.

Read More: Why Do We Say 'Holy Cow'?

4. True or false: Lake Hillier gets its pink hue from a unique blend of the microorganisms present.

True. Lake Hillier looks pink due to the combination of Dunaliella salina and Halobacteria. These microorganisms both emit a reddish-pink pigment that makes the lake look pink.

Read More: Australia Has More Than One Pink Lake (Many More!)

5. Which type of plastic is used to make Styrofoam cups?

Polystyrene (PS) is used in Styrofoam cups, as well as in takeout containers, toys and hard packing.

Read More: Plastic Numbers: Breaking Down Recycling Codes

Answers for October 14, 2023, Quiz

1. True or false: The world’s oldest written book can be found at Bulgaria's National Museum of History.

True. Bulgaria's National Museum of History is home to the world’s oldest written book. According to reports, the book, exhibited in 2003, was estimated at about 2,500 years old and is six pages of beaten 24-carat gold covered with Etruscan script.

Read More: What Is the Oldest Book in the World?

2. Who chooses the names for hurricanes and tropical storms?

The World Meteorological Organization gives hurricanes and tropical storms short, simple names.

Read More: Why Hurricane Names Exist (and Who Names Storms)

3. In which Shakespeare play do characters use eye of newt?

In Shakespeare's "Macbeth," the witches make a brew containing eye of newt. Eye of newt is also known as mustard seed. When practicing black magic, mustard seeds cast a spell of strife, confusion, discord and disruption.

Read More: Is Eye of Newt a Real Thing?

4. True or false: Pi is an integer.

False. Pi is not an integer. Integers include whole numbers (0 and natural numbers) as well as numbers with a negative value. Integers do not include fractions or decimals.

Read More: What Is the Real Number System?

5. What material can fluoroantimonic acid not erode?

Despite its overwhelming strength, fluoroantimonic acid has an Achilles' heel: It can't erode polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon.

Read More: The World's Strongest Acid: A Deep Dive Into Extreme Acidity

Answers for October 7, 2023, Quiz

1. True or false: Puerto Rico is the 51st state in the United States.

False. Puerto Rico is a self-governing commonwealth that is associated with the U.S. Thanks to a 1917 law, Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, but since Puerto Rico isn't a state, the island's inhabitants cannot vote in presidential elections.

Read More: How Do New States Become Part of the U.S.?

2. Which state is nicknamed the "Sooner State"?

Oklahoma is nicknamed the "Sooner State" because on April 22, 1889, Oklahoma Territory was officially opened for settlement on a first-come basis. Those who snuck in early to claim a spot before this date were called Sooners. The nickname later came to symbolize the "can-do" spirit of the state.

Read More: What's in a Nickname? The State Nickname Quiz

3. How long can you eat milk chocolate or white chocolate after the expiration date?

If stored properly, you can eat milk chocolate and white chocolate two to four months after the expiration date without any significant difference in taste or quality.

Read More: Why Does Chocolate Turn White? Unraveling the Sweet Mystery

4. True or false: Exposures to high-level sounds above 132 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss for some people.

True. Even short exposures to high-level sounds above 132 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss for some people.

Read More: Loud Films and Concerts Don't Have to Permanently Hurt Your Ears

5. Which colony declared its independence from the British two months prior to the other colonies?

Rhode Island might be tiny, but it always was a trendsetter. In response to British occupation, the colony of Rhode Island declared its independence from Great Britain on May 4, 1776 — two months before the rest of the American colonies did.

Read More: These 6 U.S. States Once Declared Themselves Independent Nations

Answers for September 30, 2023, Quiz

1. True or false: Donkeys are related to horses and zebras.

True. Donkeys are related to horses and zebras, although they're often stockier, stronger and have much different personalities.

Read More: Are Mules, Burros and Jackasses All Donkeys?

2. Who left the first American flag on the moon's surface?

On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 mission astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin left the first American flag on the moon's surface. Subsequent Apollo astronauts left a total of six American flags on the lunar surface.

Read More: Is the American Flag Still on the Moon? Objects Astronauts Left Behind

3. Which animal holds the Guinness World Record for having the most names?

The cougar holds one of the Guinness World Records for having the most names. The cougar has more monikers than almost any other living mammal, around 40 in English alone.

Read More: What's the Difference Between a Mountain Lion and a Cougar?

4. True or false: We will never run out of oil.

False. Oil is a finite resource, which means the world will eventually run out in the future. As of 2023, there should be enough oil left to meet global demand for at least 27 more years.

Read More: When Will We Run Out of Oil, and What Happens Then?

5. What is generally considered to be the fourth dimension?

In physics, time is often considered the fourth dimension, essential in understanding space-time in Einstein's theory of general relativity.

Read More: The 4th Dimension: Where Science and Imagination Collide

Answers for September 23, 2023, Quiz

1. True or false: In a positive correlation, two variables move in the same direction.

True. In a positive correlation, two variables move in the same direction. When one variable increases, the other also increases.

Read More: Causation vs. Correlation Explained With 10 Examples

2. Which cheese has been dubbed the "world's most dangerous cheese" by Guinness World Records?

In 2009, Casu Marzu was dubbed the "world's most dangerous cheese" by Guinness World Records. Casu Marzu is a cheese filled with maggots made specifically on the island of Sardinia, Italy. No one has died from eating this cheese, but it is illegal to sell in many parts of the world — including Sardinia.

Read More: Would You Eat Casu Marzu, the Illegal Cheese With Maggots?

3. Which country is credited with creating the first gun?

Historians generally consider the 15th-century Chinese fire lance as the first gun. These early guns were tricky to fire as they required both hands and a burning wick to ignite the powder.

Read More: When Were Guns Invented? A Brief History of Guns

4. True or false: Earth only has two poles.

False. Our planet has more than just two poles. It has geographic north and south poles, which are the points that mark the Earth's axis of rotation. It also has magnetic north and south poles, based on the planet's magnetic field.

Read More: Pole Shift: Why Does the North Pole Move?

5. What is the national dish of Scotland?

The national dish of Scotland is haggis. Scottish haggis is usually made with a sheep's liver, kidney and lungs, which are boiled in a pot then chopped up very finely and mixed with oatmeal, onions and other seasonings.

Read More: What's So 'Offal' About Haggis and Why's It Banned in the U.S.?

Answers for September 16, 2023, Quiz

1. True or false: Every molecule of plastic produced since 1907 is still present in the environment.

True. Plastic isn't a material that decomposes easily. Plastic tends to break down into smaller particles until they are too small to be seen, which means that every molecule of plastic produced since 1907 is still present in the environment.

Read More: How Long Does It Take for Plastic to Decompose?

2. Neuschwanstein castle in Germany was used as the castle model for which Disney film?

Walt Disney was so impressed with Neuschwanstein Castle that he used it as the model for Sleeping Beauty's Castle, the centerpiece of Disneyland.

Read More: The Strange History of Neuschwanstein Castle Is No Disney Fairy Tale

3. Which is not a measurable property of black holes?

Black holes have three properties that can be measured: electric charge, mass and rate of rotation. Light cannot escape a black hole, so there is no reflection to measure.

Read More: How Black Holes Work

4. True or false: The Pantheon and the Parthenon are the same structure.

False. The Parthenon and the Pantheon are often conflated, but they're actually very different. For starters, one is in Greece and the other is in Italy.

Read More: What's the Difference Between the Pantheon and the Parthenon?

5. How many steps does it take to get to the top of Brunelleschi's Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore?

Brunelleschi's famous dome has 463 steps that you need to climb before experiencing the view at the top.

Read More: How Brunelleschi Built the World's Biggest Dome

Answers for September 9, 2023, Quiz

1. True or false: You should keep your gas tank at least a quarter full at all times.

True. Experts say you should keep your gas tank at least a quarter full at all times. Doing this will keep you from getting in a dangerous situation where you're low on gas and too far from a gas station. It will also avoid damaging your car.

Read More: Running on Empty? How Bad Is It for Your Car?

2. How often should you wash your car?

Most experts recommend washing your car every two weeks or so throughout the year as a general rule.

Read More: How Often Should You Wash Your Car?

3. Which is not one of the three basic types of blue logo signs on highways?

The three basic types of blue logo signs are Mainline, Ramp and Trailblazer. Construction is not a basic type of blue logo sign. This is an orange sign.

Read More: Who Does — and Doesn't — Get Featured on Blue Highway Exit Signs?

4. True or false: Motorcyclists call the tar squiggles on the road "tar snakes.”

True. Motorcyclists call the patches "tar snakes" and complain that they cause accidents and damage to bikes.

Read More: What Are Those Squiggles of Tar on the Road?

5. What is the most fuel-efficient way to drive?

Driving with the windows up and the AC off is the most fuel-efficient way to drive, but that is quite challenging on a hot day.

Read More: Windows Down or A/C on — Which Is More Fuel-efficient?

Answers for September 2, 2023, Quiz

1. True or false: Spilling salt is good luck.

False. According to superstition, spilling salt is bad luck. To reverse this bad luck, throw a pinch of salt over your left shoulder.

Learn More: Why Is Throwing Salt Over Your Shoulder Good Luck?

2. Which bug is considered lucky?

Ladybugs are popular lucky charms among a variety of cultures and regions. It's said that having a ladybug land on you will bring you luck as long as you let it leave on its own accord.

Learn More: You Already Have This Surprisingly Simple Good Luck Charm

3. Early Western Europeans believed which material had magical powers?

Early Western Europeans believed that iron had magical powers and could drive away evil. Horseshoes, being made of iron, naturally became protective talismans.

Learn More: The Mystique of the Lucky Horseshoe: History and Beliefs

4. True or false: More than 80 percent of high-rises don't have a 13th floor.

True. People are so afraid of the number 13 that more than 80 percent of high-rises don't have a 13th floor. Architects skip straight from 12 to 14 to appease suspicious folks.

Learn More: 13 Superstitions About Lucky Numbers and Unlucky Numbers

5. Which animal does not have a wishbone?

Humans do have two clavicles, but they're not fused together, as they are in birds. So no, humans do not have wishbones.

Learn More: Why Are Wishbones Supposed to be Lucky?