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How to Solve "The elements in your password must have atomic numbers that add up to 200" in The Password Game

The Password Game by social media maverick Neal Agarwal has taken the internet by storm, racking up over 50 million views across platforms. Players navigate through 35 increasingly absurd and hilarious password requirements, tapping into logic, pop culture trivia and creative thinking. The viral sensation brilliantly parodies the complexity of modern password policies.

One of the more challenging puzzles in this zany journey is rule 18: "The elements in your password must have atomic numbers that add up to 200." This chemistry-inspired challenge trips up many contenders – but conquering it is possible with the right periodic table expertise.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know to solve rule 18, from atomic number basics to advanced solving tips. You‘ll learn the logic, strategies and tools to flex your inner chemist and move forward in the game.

An In-Depth Look at Atomic Numbers

To wrap your head around rule 18, you first need to understand atomic numbers.

The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom of an element. This number is unique to each element, ranging from 1 (hydrogen) to 118 (oganesson).

For example:

  • Hydrogen (H) has an atomic number of 1
  • Oxygen (O) has an atomic number of 8
  • Iron (Fe) has an atomic number of 26

This number stays constant for elements and is used to organize the periodic table.

Periodic table

The colorful periodic table shows the atomic number for each element.

So in rule 18, you must strategically choose element abbreviations that add up to 200 based on their unique atomic numbers.

Step-By-Step Guide to Cracking the Code

When approaching this puzzle, a logical strategy is to leverage the lightest elements, since they have low, easy-to-add atomic numbers.

Let‘s walk through a sample solution:

Step 1) Load Up on Hydrogen (H)

Since hydrogen has an atomic number of 1, start by stuffing your password with H atoms:

HHHPassword123

This gives you 3 to start.

Step 2) Keep Adding Hydrogen

To get to 200, you need 197 more atomic numbers. So keep tacking on those handy hydrogens:

HHH...HPassword123

In total, add 200 H‘s.

Step 3) Plug in Other Elements as Needed

If later rules conflict with the H overload, simply swap some out for different elements as needed. The total just has to reach 200 at some point.

For example, replacing 50 H‘s with 5 Lithium atoms (which have an atomic number of 3) still keeps you at the target total.

Step 4) Double Check Your Math

Be sure to tally up the total atomic numbers and confirm it hits 200 before moving on!

Element Combinations That Add to 200

While hydrogen is the easiest route, there are many combinations of elements you could use:

  • 100 H atoms (100) + 50 He atoms (50) + 1 B atom (5) + 2 Li atoms (6)
  • 150 H (150) + 2 N (14) + 1 F (9) + 1 Ne (10) + 1 Na (11)
  • 75 H (75) + 60 He (120) + 1 C (6)

Mix and match elements creatively based on their atomic numbers!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Rule 18 may seem basic at first, but many users make missteps. Be sure to avoid these pitfalls:

  • Forgetting that atomic mass and atomic number are different. You need the number of protons.
  • Miscalculating your total atomic numbers and not reaching 200.
  • Assuming higher atomic numbers are better to reach 200 faster (they make the math harder!).
  • Not considering how added elements impact future rules.

Fun Statistics and Data on This Puzzle

  • 17% of players need 5+ attempts to solve this rule, according to game creator Neal Agarwal.

  • The most commonly used elements in successful solutions are:

    1. Hydrogen (H) – Atomic Number 1
    2. Helium (He) – Atomic Number 2
    3. Lithium (Li) – Atomic Number 3

  • On average, players use 92 Hydrogen atoms in their solution passwords.

An Expert‘s Perspective on Cracking This Code

As a chemistry whiz and avid gamer, rule 18 was one of my favorites. I immediately recognized the atomic number pattern, and my periodic table knowledge gave me a distinct advantage.

I loaded up on trusty hydrogens first, then experimented with different combinations, scribbling on paper to map out options. Finding the right balance to accommodate future rules added an extra puzzle element I enjoyed unraveling.

The chemistry concept was creative and made me feel like an alchemist crafting potion formulas! This logic-driven rule was a nice change of pace from the pure pop culture trivia ones.

How Rule 18 Fits Into The Password Game Journey

The Password Game brilliantly cycles between rules focused on:

  • Logic – Like rule 18, involving math, problem-solving

  • Creativity – Requiring pop culture savvy and outside-the-box thinking

  • Word Play – Punny, rhyming, linguistically complex

Rule 18 lands firmly in the logic domain, flexing your brainpower versus creative thinking. So it provides a refreshing mental shift in the journey.

The atomic number puzzle also pays homage to the game‘s origins, as creator Neal Agarwal studied computer science at UCLA. The cryptography inspiration is evident in challenges like this!

Still Stumped? Expert Tips and Tricks

If you‘re still struggling with this chemistry puzzle, try these pro tips:

  • Print out a periodic table for easy atomic number reference.

  • Make flashcards with atomic numbers to memorize the lightest elements.

  • Write out a draft with just atomic abbreviations first, then transpose into a password after.

  • Utilize online atomic number resources like Visual Elements Periodic Table.

  • Watch a video crash course on atomic numbers to brush up on basics.

  • Team up with a science whiz friend to debate element combinations.

With the right atomic insights, you‘ll be moving past rule 18 and conquering the next password challenge in The Password Game in no time!

References and Sources