Q 01/05

Which continent is, on average, the coldest, driest and windiest on Earth?

A) Asia

B) Antarctica

C) Europe

D) South America

Answer · why

B) Antarctica

It is technically a polar desert: some inland spots get only 1 to 3 cm of precipitation a year.

Q 02/05

What is the chemical formula of ordinary table salt?

A) NaCl

B) KCl

C) NaOH

D) CaCO3

Answer · why

A) NaCl

Around 250 million tonnes of it are produced each year, most for the chemical industry and de-icing roads rather than for the table.

Q 03/05

How many squares are there on a standard chessboard?

A) 81

B) 100

C) 121

D) 64

Answer · why

D) 64

The Libro de los juegos of 1283 already judged 8 by 8 ideal, calling 10 by 10 too tiresome and 6 by 6 too quick.

Q 04/05

Which fashion doll did Ruth Handler introduce in March 1959?

A) Sindy

B) Bratz

C) Barbie

D) Polly Pocket

Answer · why

C) Barbie

Handler got the idea from a German doll called Bild Lilli that she spotted on a trip to Switzerland in 1956.

Q 05/05

Which land animal is the fastest, reaching around 93 to 104 km/h?

A) Pronghorn

B) Cheetah

C) Greyhound

D) Lion

Answer · why

B) Cheetah

An often-quoted 114 km/h figure has been discredited because of a faulty measurement method.