Think you’ve got elite-level general knowledge? Test yourself with this Bing homepage quiz-style visual trivia quiz featuring challenging questions and striking images. Most people can’t score higher than 6/10 — can you?

10 Hard General Knowledge Questions Explained – Learn While You Quiz!

1. Which element was the first to be artificially created in a laboratory? – Technetium ✔️

Technetium holds the distinction of being the first element produced artificially in a lab in 1937. Its existence filled a gap in the periodic table, and because it has no stable isotopes, it doesn’t occur naturally in significant amounts on Earth. Knowing this highlights how science can “invent” elements to complete our understanding of chemistry.

2. What is the only country in the world that is crossed by both the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn? – Brazil ✔️

Brazil is huge — it spans a massive range of latitudes in South America. Being crossed by both the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn shows just how vast it is. This helps us understand geography in a more dynamic way: countries aren’t just points on a map; they have climate zones, ecosystems, and diversity.

Which ancient civilization built the city of Machu Picchu? – Inca ✔️

Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, and it was built by the Inca civilization in the 15th century. The Incas were master builders, carving their cities into mountains with precision. Recognizing the builders connects us to human ingenuity long before modern technology.

Who wrote the philosophical work “The Republic”? – Plato ✔️

Plato, a student of Socrates, wrote The Republic as a dialogue exploring justice, society, and governance. Understanding why Plato’s ideas endure teaches us that philosophy isn’t just old books—it shapes modern political thought and ethics.

5. How many bones are there in the adult human body? – 206 ✔️

Humans start life with over 270 bones, but as we grow, some fuse together, leaving 206 in adults. Knowing this gives perspective on how complex and flexible our skeletal system is — it supports movement, protects organs, and grows with us.

6. Which scientist proposed the heliocentric model in the 16th century? – Copernicus ✔️

Nicolaus Copernicus proposed that the Sun, not the Earth, is at the center of the solar system. This was revolutionary at the time and changed how humans viewed their place in the cosmos. It reminds us that questioning assumptions can lead to scientific breakthroughs.

7. What is the largest desert in the world by area (excluding polar deserts)? – Sahara Desert ✔️

Many people assume deserts are always hot sand. The Sahara is massive — about 9 million square kilometers — and is a classic example of a hot desert. Learning this helps us appreciate the diversity of Earth’s ecosystems and climates.

8. Which of these languages is NOT part of the Indo-European language family? – Finnish ✔️

Finnish belongs to the Uralic language family, not Indo-European. This explains why Finnish grammar and vocabulary are very different from English, Spanish, or Hindi. It’s a reminder of the rich linguistic diversity in the world.

9. In Greek mythology, who is the goddess of victory? – Nike ✔️

Nike personifies victory in Greek mythology, often depicted with wings. Understanding mythology isn’t just about stories; it’s about how ancient cultures symbolized human values, like triumph, honor, and aspiration.

10. Which country was the first to grant women the right to vote? – New Zealand ✔️

In 1893, New Zealand led the way in women’s suffrage. Recognizing this milestone reminds us that social progress is achievable, and studying history helps us value rights and freedoms that may be taken for granted today.

Bing Quiz: 10-Question General Knowledge Challenge for U.S. Trivia Fans

Results

#1. Which element was the first to be artificially created in a laboratory?

#2. What is the only country in the world that is crossed by both the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn?

#3. Which of these languages is NOT part of the Indo-European language family?

#4. Who wrote the philosophical work “The Republic”?

#5. In Greek mythology, who is the goddess of victory?

#6. Which ancient civilization built the city of Machu Picchu?

#7. What is the largest desert in the world by area (excluding polar deserts)?

#8. Which country was the first to grant women the right to vote?

#9. Which scientist proposed the heliocentric model in the 16th century?

#10. How many bones are there in the adult human body?