Spanning the alphabet, they are the only 2 chemical element names that end with the letter “C”

On the June 20, 2025 episode of Jeopardy, the Final Jeopardy round featured a clue in the category “Chemical Element Names”. The clue was: “Spanning the alphabet, they are the only 2 chemical element names that end with the letter ‘C’.” It prompted contestants to search the periodic table for element names with an unusual final letter.

What is Zinc & Arsenic?

This clue required a blend of scientific familiarity and linguistic attention. Rather than focusing on the properties or symbols of elements, the question zeroed in on the specific spelling of their names—particularly, the rare occurrence of an element name ending with the letter “C”, which is uncommon in both chemistry and English vocabulary.

A Clue Based on Spelling, Not Science

Unlike typical chemistry-related trivia that might ask about atomic numbers or group classifications, this Final Jeopardy clue played more like a word puzzle. It required contestants to think alphabetically, not analytically. There are 118 recognized elements in the periodic table, and only zinc and arsenic have names that end with the letter “C”. Most element names tend to end in more common suffixes like “-um” (e.g., sodium, helium), “-ine” (e.g., chlorine), or “-on” (e.g., neon).

Zinc, element 30, is a bluish-white metal used in galvanizing and alloy production. Arsenic, element 33, is a well-known metalloid often associated with toxicity. While both are relatively well-known, the fact that their names share a rare orthographic feature—ending in “c”—makes them a unique pair. No other element names, including the many synthetic ones added in recent decades, follow this pattern.

Why Only Zinc and Arsenic?

This answer may seem surprising at first, given the sheer number of chemical elements. However, when one reviews the full periodic table by spelling, it becomes clear just how few element names deviate from traditional Latin or Greek roots that favor softer or more familiar English endings. In fact, element naming conventions—particularly those adopted by IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)—tend to avoid hard consonant endings like “c.”

Zinc and arsenic stand apart not just chemically, but linguistically. Their names have remained stable over time and have not been altered by IUPAC standardization or translation inconsistencies. Arsenic derives from the Greek word arsenikon, and zinc is believed to come from the German word zinke, referencing its jagged crystal formations. These etymologies explain their unusual endings and help confirm why no other element shares the “c” conclusion.

A Unique Pair in the Periodic Table

It’s rare for a Final Jeopardy clue to reference the alphabet directly, and this one used that twist to challenge contestants in a fresh way. The phrase “spanning the alphabet” hints at the wide linguistic range of the periodic table, but ultimately narrows to just these two elements. This phrasing led some to consider elements with names starting with “A” and “Z”, but the correct focus was on the end letter, not the beginning.

This type of clue rewards those who think outside the scientific box and instead approach the periodic table as a set of names. Contestants who mentally ran through each element or had memorized the full list likely had an edge. Those relying purely on chemical knowledge without attention to spelling would have found this Final Jeopardy particularly tricky.

Final Thoughts on the June 20 Jeopardy Clue

This Final Jeopardy round served as a reminder of the unexpected directions the show can take. While it stayed within the “Chemical Element Names” category, it turned toward an orthographic curiosity rather than a scientific property. Zinc and arsenic, though quite different in their uses and dangers, are bound together here by a linguistic coincidence.

It’s not often that a chemistry clue challenges players to think like wordsmiths. Yet, this episode did exactly that. The clever construction and specificity of the clue made it a standout in the week’s lineup, proving once again that Jeopardy continues to blend science, language, and trivia into one compelling game.