How to Do Flame Tests for Qualitative Analysis

How to Do a Flame Test & Interpret Results

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The flame test is used to visually determine the identity of an unknown metal or metalloid ion based on the characteristic color the salt turns the flame of a Bunsen burner. The heat of the flame excites the electrons of the metals ions, causing them to emit visible light. Every element has a signature emission spectrum that can be used to differentiate between one element and another.

Key Takeaways: Perform the Flame Test

  • The flame test is a qualitative test in analytical chemistry used to help identify the composition of a sample.
  • The premise is that heat gives energy to elements and ions, causing them to emit light at a characteristic color or emission spectrum.
  • The flame test is a quick way to narrow down the identity of a sample, but must be combined with other tests to confirm composition.
  • How to Do the Flame Test

Classic Wire Loop Method First, you need a clean wire loop. Platinum or nickel-chromium loops are most common. They may be cleaned by dipping in hydrochloric or nitric acid, followed by rinsing with distilled or deionized water . Test the cleanliness of the loop by inserting it into a gas flame. If a burst of color is produced, the loop is not sufficiently clean. The loop must be cleaned between tests.

The clean loop is dipped in either a powder or solution of an ionic (metal) salt. The loop with sample is placed in the clear or blue part of the flame and the resulting color is observed.

Wooden Splint or Cotton Swab Method Wooden splints or cotton swabs offer an inexpensive alternative to wire loops. To use wooden splints, soak them overnight in distilled water. Pour out the water and rinse the splints with clean water, being careful to avoid contaminating the water with sodium (as from sweat on your hands). Take a damp splint or cotton swab that has been moistened in water, dip it in the sample to be tested, and wave the splint or swab through the flame. Do not hold the sample in the flame as this would cause the splint or swab to ignite. Use a new splint or swab for each test.

How to Interpret Flame Test Results

The sample is identified by comparing the observed flame color against known values from a table or chart.

Red Carmine to Magenta: Lithium compounds. Masked by barium or sodium. Scarlet or Crimson: Strontium compounds. Masked by barium. Red: Rubidium (unfiltered flame) Yellow-Red: Calcium compounds. Masked by barium.

Yellow Gold: Iron Intense Yellow: Sodium compounds, even in trace amounts. A yellow flame is not indicative of sodium unless it persists and is not intensified by an addition of 1% NaCl to the dry compound.

White Bright White: Magnesium White-Green: Zinc

Green Emerald: Copper compounds, other than halides. Thallium. Bright Green: Boron Blue-Green: Phosphates, when moistened with H 2 SO 4 or B 2 O 3 . Faint Green: Antimony and NH 4 compounds. Yellow-Green: Barium, manganese(II), molybdenum.

Blue Azure: Lead, selenium, bismuth, cesium, copper(I), CuCl 2 and other copper compounds moistened with hydrochloric acid, indium, lead. Light Blue: Arsenic and some of its compounds. Greenish Blue: CuBr 2 , antimony

Purple Violet: Potassium compounds other than borates, phosphates, and silicates. Masked by sodium or lithium. Lilac to Purple-Red: Potassium, rubidium, and/or cesium in the presence of sodium when viewed through a blue glass.

Limitations of the Flame Test

  • The test cannot detect low concentrations of most ions .
  • The brightness of the signal varies from one sample to another. For example, the yellow emission from sodium is much brighter than the red emission from the same amount of lithium .
  • Impurities or contaminants affect the test results. Sodium , in particular, is present in most compounds and will color the flame. Sometimes a blue glass is used to filter out the yellow of sodium.
  • The test cannot differentiate between all elements. Several metals produce the same flame color. Some compounds do not change the color of the flame at all.

Because of the limitation, the flame test might be used to rule out the identity of an element in a sample, rather than definitively identify it. Other analytical procedures should be conducted in addition to this test.

Flame Test Colors

This table lists the expected colors for elements in the flame test. Obviously, the names of the colors are subjective, so the best way to learn to recognize close-colored elements is to test known solutions so you know what to expect.

As Arsenic Blue
B Boron Bright green
Ba Barium Pale/Yellowish Green
Ca Calcium Orange to red
Cs Cesium Blue
Cu(I Copper(I) Blue
Cu(II) Copper(II) non-halide Green
Cu(II) Copper(II) halide Blue-green
Fe Iron Gold
In Indium Blue
K Potassium Lilac to red
Li Lithium Magenta to carmine
Mg Magnesium Bright white
Mn(II) Manganese(II) Yellowish green
Mo Molybdenum Yellowish green
Na Sodium Intense yellow
P Phosphorus Pale bluish green
Pb Lead Blue
Rb Rubidium Red to purple-red
Sb Antimony Pale green
Se Selenium Azure blue
Sr Strontium Crimson
Te Tellurium Pale green
Tl Thallium Pure green
Zn Zinc Bluish green to whitish green
  • Lange's Handbook of Chemistry , 8th Edition, Handbook Publishers Inc., 1952.
  • Definition of Qualitative Analysis in Chemistry
  • How Flame Test Colors Are Produced
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  • Transition Metal Colors in Aqueous Solution
  • Understanding Quantitative Analysis in Chemistry
  • Metal Projects That Help You Explore Chemistry
  • Flame Test Colors: Photo Gallery
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Introduction

The flame test is one of the most commonly used analytical processes in chemistry. It is widely used to detect and analyze the presence of certain elements in the given salt or compound. Primarily, the flame test detects the presence of metal ions in a compound, and as ions of each element have a specific characteristic based in their emission spectrum, the flame test for every element is different and distinctive.

This distinction is shown by the color of flames given out when the salt containing certain metal ions is burnt.

It is important to note here that the emission spectrum of each element that determines the flame color involves atoms instead of ions. The transition of electrons in the atoms tends to produce the visible color lines which are seen in the flame test.

Chemistry Behind Flame Test

The chemistry behind the flame test is simple. As we know that when an atom or ion is excited by heating to high temperatures, the electrons are promoted from their normal unexcited state into other orbitals, known as higher orbitals, as they have higher energy as compared to the normal or ground state orbitals.

When these excited electron falls back down to lower levels which can happen simultaneously or in several steps, the energy they have absorbed is released. This energy is released in the form of light.

Each jump involves the release of a specific amount of energy in the form of light. And each transition from higher to lower orbital corresponds to a frequency or wavelength.

All these jumps or transitions result in the formation of a spectrum of lines. Some of these lines are part of the visible part of the spectrum.

And the final color we see is a combination of all these individual colors. This color is the distinctive color of the element we observe in the flame test.

For instance, in the case of potassium or sodium ions or many other metal ions, the transition of electrons involves very high energies. This result in lines that fall in the UV part of the spectrum which is invisible to the naked eye.

This explains the role of atoms rather than ions to be the basis of flame test.

And the jumps we can see in flame tests are due to falling of electrons from a higher to a lower level in the metal atoms.

When we put sodium chloride, containing sodium ions, into a flame, the sodium atoms are formed as a result of certain sodium ions that regain their electrons and produce neutral sodium atoms again.

The orbitals and their configuration are very important features in each element with respect to a flame test.   

The structure of the unexcited state of sodium atom 1s 2 2s 2 2p 6 3s 1 and within the flame, there are different sorts of excited states of the electrons.

Sodium gives a bright orange-yellow flame color. This results from promoted electrons falling back from the 3p 1 level to their normal 3s 1 level.

The exact size of the potential energy jumps varies from one metal to another.

This means that each metal will have a different pattern of spectral lines, and so have a distinct flame color.

The elements of the Group1 are the easiest metals that can be accurately identified using the flame test.

For other metals, flame test does not provide a definitive identification, however, it gives a general idea of the probable compound.

Practical Process Detail

The procedure of this test is simple as it involves introducing sample of the compound or element to a non-luminous, hot flame, and examining the color of the resulting flame.

The flame test is an easy experiment to set up and is often conducted in science classes.

The principle of the test is that the atoms of the sample evaporate and as they are hot, they give off light when present in the flame.

A mixture of samples of a large amount of sample can also emit light. But such light is not good for identification analysis.

As described earlier, the individual atoms of a sample that are present in the flame emit light due to the transitions of electron between different atomic energy levels. Such transitions emit light that has very specific frequencies, and which is the characteristic of the chemical element.

Hence, the flame gets the color. And it is determined by the characteristics and properties of the chemical element of the material that is introduced into the flame.

There are certain points that need to be followed to obtain precise results in a flame test.

For instance, the samples are carried on a platinum wire, which is repeatedly cleaned with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to remove traces of any elements.

The compound to be assessed is usually made into a paste with concentrated hydrochloric acid, as it is volatile, and give good quality results.

It is also recommended to use different flames to avoid errors in the results due to contaminated flames, and to confirm the precision of the color.

The presence of sodium is considered as a common component in many compounds. And its spectrum is likely to dominate the light spectrum of other elements. To avoid this, the test flame is often viewed using a cobalt blue glass that filters out the yellow of sodium and allows the accurate presentation of color of other metal.

Flame Test Results of Common Elements

Here is the list of most common elements that are detected through the flame test. They have a distinct emission spectrum that allows them to show specific colored flame in a flame test. However, the colors given in the table are only a guide as colors are perceived differently by different people.

Sr # Element Symbol Color
1 Sodium Na Intense Yellow
2 Potassium K Intense Yellow Orange
3 Calcium Ca Orange Red
4 Lithium Li Red
5 Strontium Sr Red
6 Barium Ba Pale green
7 Copper Cu Blue-green
8 Cesium Cs Blue
9 Iron Fe (II) Gold
10 Germanium Ge Pale blue
11 Mercury Hg Red
12 Nickel Ni Silver-white
13 Hafnium Hf White
14 Phosphorus P Pale bluish green
15 Molybdenum Mo Yellowish Green
16 Manganese Mn White
17 Tin Sn Blue-white
18 Zinc Zn Colorless or bluish-green
19 Lead Pb Bluish white
20 Zirconium Zr Light red
21 Radium Ra Crimson
22 Chromium Ch Silver-white
23 Cadmium Cd Brick red
24 Arsenic As Blue

Certain precious metals, including platinum, titanium, palladium, gold, and silver do not produce a distinctive flame color. However, some can produce sparks when exposed to hot flame.

Safety Notes

The flame test can be dangerous if proper protocol and safety measures are not taken. It is advised to use good safety techniques.  We should wear a chemical apron and good quality chemical splash resistant goggles. It is also important that we practice the flame test under the supervision of a teacher.  

https://www.soinc.org/sites/default/files/uploaded_files/flametest.pdf

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Flame Tests Lab Report

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The purpose of this lab was to see what colors are characteristic of particular metallic ions in a flame test and use their characteristic color to identify other elements. Another purpose is to understand how fireworks work. This experiment will help one understand how a flame test is performed and that every metal has a unique bright line spectra. This means a bright line spectra can be used to identify any element. This information can be used to identify elements in space to tell whether a planet has oxygen on it or not. If one can tell if a planet has oxygen on it based on its bright line spectra, research could be done to tell if people can live on the planet or not. This would be a huge advance in science if it was possible to tell if people can live on other planets by knowing the elements on the other planets. This would solve the problem of the world becoming over-populated and would help prevent the spread of disease.

Introduction- The purpose of this lab was to see what colors are characteristic of particular metallic ions in a flame test and use their characteristic color to identify other elements. Another purpose is to understand how fireworks work.

A flame test is used to identify certain metals in a compound or single element.1 When an electron jumps up to a higher energy state the element is in its excited state. Elements are only in their excited for a brief moment. When the electron moves back down to a lower energy state, it emits light and produce a flame color.1 Sometimes there is more than one flame color because an electron might go from the 4s orbital then go to the 2p orbital which means two colors will be produced. Every element emits a different flame color or colors. These colors can be put on a bright line spectra which shows every color that the element produces in a flame test.1 Each element has a unique bright line spectra and thus can be identified by using its bright line spectra. When the element is in a compound, it can be burned to produce the flame. The color of the flame corresponds with each element.

The Essay on Analysis of the Element Lithium

Lithium, which is represented by the symbolic notation, Li, is the third element on the periodic table. The mineral Petalite (which contains lithium) was discovered by the Brazilian scientist José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva towards the end of the 18th century while visiting Sweden. Lithium was discovered by Johan August Arfvedson in 1817 during an analysis of Petalite ore. Arfvedson subsequently ...

When there is an unknown compound, the metal can be found by using previous data from previous tests. By looking at the color you can see if it matches any previous tests and possibly find the name of the metal. Flame tests can also be used to find the color of fireworks one wants to use. By using the metal that emits the color one wants in fireworks, one can get the desired color. This experiment will be conducted using the same spatula, the same Bunsen burner, the same kind of acid and nitrate bonded to every one of the metals.

It will also be conducted with everyone in the lab using safety goggles and everyone wearing closed toed shoes. There are no relevant waste concerns in this lab This experiment will show that every element has a different bright line spectra and this can be used to identify elements in space or anywhere. It will also show that flame tests can be used to make certain colored fireworks. I predict that all of the metals tested will emit different colors of light. I also predict that all of the metals will emit a color in the visible spectrum.

•Chemical Splash Goggles

•Well Plate

•Marker Pen

•Barium Nitrate (Ba(NO3)2)

•Copper Nitrate (Cu(NO3)2)

•Strontium Nitrate (Sr(NO3)2)

•Lithium Nitrate (Li(NO3))

•Potassium Nitrate (K(NO3))

•Sodium Chloride (NaCl)

•Calcium Nitrate (Ca(NO3)2)

•Nichrome wire loop

•Beaker, 50-ml

•Hydrochloric Acid

•Lab Burner

•Wash Bottle with distilled water

•1 Unknown Solution

The Essay on Flame test lab report

... metal ions, based on the color the flame that appears along with it when it’s heated. Our flame test ... chloride KCl Conclusion: Errors: Recommendations: References: EXPERIMENT 3 – Flame Tests & Electron Configuration [PDF] http://swc2.hccs.edu/pahlavan/intro_labs/Exp_5_Flame_Tests_and_Electron_Configuration.pdf ... name of your solid make a table to keep everything organized and write ...

Experimental- The safety equipment was put on. The spatula was cleaned off to make sure there is no residue on it. The Bunsen burner was set up and the flame was adjusted to the desired height. One of the samples was put on the spatula and the formula of the salt solution was recorded into Table 1. The spatula with the salt solution was put over the flame. The color of the flame was recorded in table 1. The spatula was put in hydrochloric acid, then put into water, and then put over the flame to burn off any residue from the salt solution. This procedure was repeated for the other seven salt solutions and the one unknown solution. The equipment was cleaned off and put away at the end of the experiment

Table 2: Test of Unknown Solution

Light Orange

Results and Discussion- The data in table 1 shows that every metal tested emits a different color during a flame test. This happens because every metal has a different bright line spectra. Table 2 shows that you can identify a metal in a compound by using a flame test. The metal in the compound was identified by the light orange color seen during the flame test. Table 1 proves my hypothesis to be correct. Conclusion- The purpose of this lab was to see what colors are characteristic of particular metallic ions in a flame test and use their characteristic color to identify other elements. Another purpose was to understand how fireworks work. This experiment can help to identify elements in space to help scientists know whether a planet has oxygen or not. It can also help one determine what metal to use in fireworks to portray a certain color.

The experiment was conducted by burning a salt and recording the color of the flame. This experiment showed that every metal emits a different color and this proves the hypothesis to be correct, that every metal emits a different color when put into a flame. This experiment also shows that a metal can be identified by looking at the color of the flame and matching it to previous data results. This also proves my hypothesis to be correct. Table 1 and Table 2 prove both of my hypotheses to be correct.

The Essay on Flame Test Lab

Flame Test Lab Your company has been contracted by Julius and Annette Benetti. They are worried about some abandoned, rusted barrels of chemicals that their daughter found while playing in the vacant lot behind their home. The barrels have begun to leak a colored liquid that flows through their property before emptying into a local sewer. The Benettis want your company to identify the compound in ...

More experiments can be done with machines to find the exact wavelengths of light for every element. If the exact wavelengths can be found, it would be easier to identify elements with a flame test. Possible sources of error in this experiment were that the nichrome wire may not have been fully cleaned off every time, the color might have looked different because of other light sources, and there could have been particles in the bottom of the Bunsen burner. Acknowledgments: The author of this paper thanks Union Springs High School for use of their facilities to conduct this experiment with.

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flame test lab conclusion essay

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         The aim of the experiment is to give a qualitative introduction to the spectra emitted by some s-block elements when their atoms are excited by heating samples in a Bunsen flame.

“The energy levels in atoms and ions are the key to the production and detection of light. Energy levels or "shells"exist for electrons in atoms and molecules. The colors of dyes and other compounds results from electron jumps between these shells or levels. The colors of fireworks result from jumps of electrons from one shell to another. Observations of light emitted by the elements is also evidence for the existence of shells, subshsells and energy levels. The kinds of light that interact with atoms indicate the energy differences between shells and energy levels in the quantum theory model of the atom. Typically the valence electrons are the ones involved in these jumps.

Atoms have two kinds of states; a ground state and an excited state. The ground state is the state in which the electrons in the atom are in their lowest energy levels possible (atoms naturally are in the ground state). This means the electrons have the lowest possible values for "n" the principal quantum number.

Specific quantized amounts of energy are needed to excite an electron in an atom and produce an excited state.

The   size of the electron cloud in the excited atom changes when the electron moves from shell to shell. The size of the atom decreases in volume when the electron goes e.g. from the n=3 shell to the n = 2 shell. On average the electrons are closer to the nucleus for lower values of "n". The electron cloud is related to the most probable distance between the nucleus and the electron. The most probable distance increases with increasing "n" value. The excited electron is still "in" the atom even in an excited state. The valence electron will only escape the atom if the electron is given an amount of energy equal to the ionization energy for that atom.  

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Energy can be added to atoms many different ways. It can be in the form of light, an electric discharge or heat. This added or extra energy is emitted when the excited electrons in the atoms give off light and fall back to lower shells. The light emitted has wavelengths and colors that depend on the amount of energy originally absorbed by the atoms. Usually each individual excited atom will emit one type of light. Since we have billions and billions of atoms we get billions of excitations and emissions.  

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Different elements emit different emission spectra when they are excited because each type of element has a unique energy shell or energy level system. Each element has a different set of emission colors because they have different energy level spacings. We will see the emission spectra or pattern of wavelengths (atomic spectra) emitted by six different elements in this lab. We will then identify an unknown element by comparing the color of the unknown with the flame color of our knowns.

White light is the combination of all colors of the spectrum.”

  • 6 substances: (one spatula of each)

*SrCl 2  (strontium chloride)

*CaCl 2  (calcium chloride)

*NaCl (sodium chloride)

*KCl (potassium chloride)

*CuSO 4  x 5H 2 O

*LiCl (lithium chloride)

  • HCl (hydrochloric acid) – concentrated
  • 1 beaker (for hydrochloric acid (HCl)) and cover
  • Bunsen burner
  • 6 petric glasses
  • hand spectroscope
  • electric lamp
  • crucible tongs
  • flame test wire
  • Wear your googles, gloves and gown before start working
  • Swich on the lamp and look at the bulb through the hand spectroscope. Look for a series of colours, one running into the next. This is the continuous spectrum.
  • Hold the spectroscope up to a window which does not face the sun. This could result in permament damage to your eyes. You should see the continuous spectrum of visible light.
  • Make sure your flame test wire is clean.
  • Prepare needed substances.
  • Light the Bunsen burner.
  • Dip the flame test wire into the hydrochloric acid and next take some strontium chloride on it and put it into Bunsen fire. Watch the colour of the flame. Your partner should be watching the flame through the hand spectroscope. Look for the brightly coloured lines. There are several lines for each element and it will be propably not possible to get them all into view at once.
  • Dip the flame test wire again into the hydrochloric acid to clean it from the substance.
  • Repeat steps 4-8 with calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ), sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), CuSO 4  x 5H 2 O and lithium chloride (LiCl)

Safety guidelines

!!! - Work areas should be arranged so that a person does not need to travel through a high-hazard area while attempting to exit the laboratory during an emergency.

!!! - Eyewashes and showers must be accessible to all chemical laboratories.

!!! - Do not consume food and drink in the laboratory.

!!! - Wear your googles and gloves to protect your eyes and skin

!!! – Move in the labolatory carefully

!!! – Keep the labolatory clean in order to prevent any accidents

!!! – Pay particular attention to the protection of eyes and skin because hydrochloric acid can couse damage to your body and clothes.

!!! – Confine long hair while working in a labolatory.

!!! – Do not panic if you have done something in a wrong way, just report your teacher and do what he/she has said

!!! – Flush away all accidentally spilled substances with water and report your teacher

!!! - Neutralize the remaining substances and remove them from equipment

!!! – Look out on the fire; put it off at the end of the experiment

!!! – Wear your gown while working in labolatory

Data collection

        The results obtained from the experiment are as follows:

When the electrons in the element are excited by heating , they jump to higher energy levels  As the electrons go back down, and leave the excited state, energy is re-emitted in the form of visible light of different colours.The emission spectrum can be used to determine the composition of a material, since it is different for each element of the periodic table. The example of use the flame test is to identify the composition of stars by analysing the received light.

        Not all the lines in the spectrum were seen. I found in the literature and internet that for lithium chloride we should see 3 lines in the hand spectroscope (blue – 490 nm, orange – 625 nm and red 700 nm), more than 5 lines for strontium chloride (blue – 405 nm, 450 nm, 480 nm, green – 550 nm, red – 650 nm), more than 12 lines for calcium chloride (blue – 420 nm, 430 nm, 450 nm, 480 nm, 500 nm, 520 nm, green – 540nm, 570nm, yellow – 600 nm, orange – 630 nm, red – 675 nm, 680 nm), one line for sodium chloride (yellow – 600 nm), 6 lines for CuSO4 x 5H2O (blue – 455 nm, 510 nm, green – 520 nm, 530 nm, 575 nm and yellow – 590 nm) and 7 lines for potassium chloride (blue – 450 nm, 465 nm, 480 nm, 485 nm, 505 nm, green – 535 nm and yellow – 590 nm). The results of the experiment weren’t the same. It might be because of the fact we saw also the spectrum of electric lamps which were switched on and the shadows of other people working at the labolatory.

Ways of improving the results:

  • less shadows of other people
  • more concentration during the experiment
  • use of more modern equipment
  • looking throug the spectroscope in the dark room in order to avoid seeing the electric lamp’s light spectrum
  • the experiment should be repeated to get some more reliable results
  • “Chemistry for the IB Diploma (standard and higher level)” by Geoff Neuss
  • “Chemistry” (second edition) by John Green and Sandru Damji

flame test lab

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The flame test experiment aimed to identify the presence of specific metal ions by observing the colors emitted when these ions were heated. Four unknown solid metals were tested, and their flame colors were compared to known flame colors to identify the metals. Safety precautions were followed throughout the experiment. The results showed that the unknown metals were barium chloride, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and potassium chloride, each producing characteristic flame colors. The experiment demonstrated the practical application of flame tests in identifying metal ions based on their emission spectra.

Introduction

The flame test is a common procedure used by chemists to identify the presence of specific metal ions based on the colors emitted when these ions are heated.

In our laboratory class, the primary objectives were to test various solid metals in a flame to observe the diverse range of colors produced, and to identify unknown metals based on their flame colors. Exciting atoms to an excited energy state through heating, such as using a flame, allows electrons to absorb energy and undergo quantum jumps to higher energy levels.

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When these electrons return to their ground state, they emit photons with energy corresponding to specific colors. For example, red corresponds to the lowest energy of visible light, while violet represents the highest energy. The emission spectrum of an element or compound is responsible for the characteristic color of the flame. This technique is widely used in pyrotechnics for creating the colors seen in fireworks displays.

  • Bunsen burner
  • Wire loop (ensure it's clean)
  • 4 filter papers
  • 4 unknown solid samples (potassium, sodium, calcium, barium chloride)
  • Diluted HCl (for cleaning the wire loop)
  • Lab notebook (kept in tray under desk when conducting flame test)
  • Pencil (for recording observations)

Safety Rules:

  • Wear a lab coat at all times while in the classroom.
  • Do not allow chemicals (e.g., HCl) to touch bare skin; wash immediately with water if accidental contact occurs.
  • Exercise caution with the Bunsen burner due to the high heat it produces.
  • Avoid prolonged staring at the flame.
  • Wash hands with soap and water after handling chemicals.
  • Keep a safe distance from the flame and use your hand only when necessary.
  • Tie back hair and secure loose clothing.
  • Gather all required materials, including filter papers, beaker, wire loop, and request the four solid chemicals from your teacher.
  • Place a small quantity of each unknown solid onto separate filter papers, ensuring they fill the spatula.
  • Pour diluted HCl into a clean beaker.
  • Ignite the Bunsen burner and adjust the flame to its maximum temperature (blue flame with a light-blue inner cone).
  • Dip the wire loop into the HCl solution to facilitate easy adherence of solids and remove any oxide residues.
  • Touch one of the unknown solids with the wetted wire loop so it sticks.
  • Hold the wire loop in the blue flame and observe the metal vaporizing, emitting colored flames for a few minutes.
  • Record the observed flame color in your notebook.
  • Compare the observed color with the known colored flames guide provided by your teacher (see Figure 1.2) and note the name of the metal.
  • Create a table to organize your findings (see Figure 1.1) and fill it with your conclusions.
  • Repeat the previous six steps for each solid, ensuring that you dip the wire loop into the HCl solution before and after each flame test to remove any oxide residue.
  • Conduct observations when mixing some or all of the metals and record your findings.
  • Verify your results by repeating the test for each metal two more times.
  • Turn off the Bunsen burner, rinse the wire loop with deionized water using a wash bottle, and heat the loop in the hottest part of the flame until it no longer imparts color to the flame.
  • Dispose of the HCl and clean all equipment used.
  • Clean your lab station thoroughly.

Important Variables that May Result in Errors:

  • Ensure that all tools are free from contamination to avoid affecting flame color or results.
  • Use metals of the same type for initial testing.
  • Adjust the Bunsen burner to produce a blue flame to facilitate accurate color observation.
Flame Color Solid Metal Chemical Formula
Green Barium chloride BaCl
Yellow Sodium chloride NaCl
Red Calcium chloride CaCl
Purple Potassium chloride KCl

The results of the flame test experiment successfully identified the four unknown solid metals: barium chloride, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and potassium chloride.

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Each metal produced a characteristic flame color, which was consistent with known flame colors. The experiment demonstrated the reliability of flame tests in identifying metal ions based on their emission spectra.

However, it is essential to acknowledge potential sources of error in the experiment. Contamination of tools or equipment could lead to variations in flame color and affect the accuracy of the results. To minimize this error, thorough cleaning and proper handling of equipment are crucial.

Furthermore, using metals of the same type for initial testing is recommended to ensure accurate observations. The flame's heat intensity, such as a weak red color, may also hinder the observation of colored flames. Therefore, adjusting the Bunsen burner to produce a blue flame is essential for accurate color observation.

The flame test experiment provided valuable insights into the identification of metal ions based on their emission spectra. Adhering to safety rules and precautions is essential for the successful execution of the experiment. To enhance accuracy, repetition of experiments and comparison of results with fellow lab mates can help validate conclusions.

Throughout the experiment, it is essential to maintain proper safety measures and ensure that equipment is free from contamination to obtain accurate results. Additionally, using metals of the same type for initial testing minimizes errors in flame color observation.

Recommendations:

Based on the results obtained, it is recommended to adhere to safety rules, especially regarding chemical handling and flame observation. To further enhance accuracy, repeat experiments and compare results with fellow lab mates to validate conclusions.

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Chemistry Experiment Report: Flame Test essay

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