PERFORMANCE TASK 1 IN SCIENCE 9

Quarter 2 Week 1

NAMES OF LEARNERS:

GRADE LEVEL and SECTION:

SUBJECT: Science 9

Experiment/Laboratory Activity: The Flame Test Lab

To observe and identify the characteristic colors emitted by metal ions in a
GOAL flame and to understand the relationship between the excitation of electrons
and the emission of light.
You are a chemist tasked with identifying unknown metal ions based on the
ROLE color they emit when heated in a flame. Your knowledge of electron excitation
and energy transitions will help you determine the identity of the substances.
The results of this experiment are for your fellow students and teacher, who are
interested in learning about how different metals emit different colors when
AUDIENCE
they are heated, and how this can be used for practical applications such as
fireworks and forensic analysis.
Imagine you are in a laboratory setting, trying to identify unknown metal salts
by the color they produce in a flame. This technique is commonly used in
SITUATION chemical analysis, such as in forensics, pyrotechnics, and materials science.
Your task is to compare known and unknown samples to determine their
identity based on their flame color.
At the end of the experiment, you will have identified the metal ions present in
PRODUCT/PERFORMANCE your known and unknown samples based on the flame colors observed. You
will also create a visual record of the colors for future reference.
Needs
Exemplary Proficient Satisfactory Total
Criteria Improvement
(5 points) (4 points) (3 points) Points
(1-2 points)
Materials are
mostly Some
Materials and
organized, materials are Materials are
setup are
and setup is organized, but disorganized,
organized and
mostly setup is and setup is
ready before the
Preparation complete incomplete. incomplete.
experiment
before the Safety Safety
begins. All safety
experiment equipment equipment is
STANDARDS AND equipment is in
begins. Safety may be not used.
CRITERIA FOR SUCCESS: place.
- RUBRIC equipment is missing.
in place.

Does not
Performs the
Performs the perform the
flame test Performs the
flame test flame test
correctly for all flame test, but
correctly for correctly, with
samples, may have
Execution most samples, significant
consistently some errors or
using proper errors in
using proper inconsistencies
technique and technique or
technique and in technique.
equipment. equipment
equipment.
use.
 Records all flame
Records most Fails to record
colors accurately Records some
flame colors flame colors
and flame colors,
accurately, or records
Observation comprehensively, but data is
including data that is
and Data including all incomplete or
most known significantly
known and has
and unknown inaccurate or
unknown inaccuracies.
samples. incomplete.
samples.

Provides Provides clear

Fails to
insightful and answers to Provides some
answer
detailed answers analysis answers to
analysis
Analysis to guide/analysis questions, analysis
questions or
and questions, showing a questions, but
shows little
Conclusion demonstrating a good understanding
understanding
thorough understanding of concepts is
of the
understanding of of the limited.
concepts.
the concepts. concepts.

Generally
Consistently Follows some Neglects
follows safety
follows all safety safety safety
Safety practices with
practices and practices but practices,
Practices few
encourages peers may need putting self or
reminders
to do the same. reminders. others at risk.
needed.

TOTAL POINTS

Experiment 1: The Flame Test Lab

From Science – Grade 9 Alternative Delivery Mode Quarter 2– Module 1: Quantum Mechanical Model,
2020

Introduction
Welcome to the Flame Test Lab! In this activity, we will explore the fascinating world of atomic
structure and electron behavior through a hands-on experiment known as the flame test. This
experiment will allow us to identify different metal ions based on the unique colors they emit
when heated in a flame.

Why Flame Tests? When metal salts are heated, the electrons in the metal ions absorb energy
and become excited, moving to higher energy levels. As these excited electrons return to their
ground state, they release energy in the form of light. The specific color of the light emitted
depends on the metal ion present, making flame tests a valuable tool for identifying
substances.
What to Expect In this lab, you will work with various metal salts, observing the colors
produced when they are heated in a flame. You will learn how to use a Bunsen burner safely
and effectively while collecting data on flame colors. By comparing your observations with
known samples, you will practice critical thinking and analytical skills as you identify unknown
metal salts.
Learning Objectives
1. Understand the relationship between electron excitation and light emission.
2. Identify metal ions based on the characteristic colors produced in a flame test.

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 3. Develop laboratory skills, including safe handling of equipment and materials.
4. Analyze and interpret data to draw conclusions about the identity of unknown samples.
Get ready to ignite your curiosity and delve into the colorful world of chemistry! Remember to
prioritize safety by wearing goggles and lab coats throughout the experiment. Let’s get started!

Experiment/Output Guidelines
a. Do not forget to provide a list of references you have used throughout the laboratory
report.
b. Please be guided by the indicated rubrics above.
c. To be submitted on October 10, 2024, Thursday. Please be mindful of the deadline.
No extensions.

Pre-Lab Questions

Directions: Attach your answers using Folio (8.5” x 13”)-sized bond papers as part of
your output.
1. Describe the process that occurs in an atom when it is heated in a flame. What
happens to the electrons?
2. Why do you think different metals emit different colors in a flame test?

Laboratory Procedures

Objectives:
1. Understand the relationship between electron excitation and light emission.
2. Identify metal ions based on the characteristic colors produced in a flame test.
3. Compare the flame color of the unknown sample with the known metal salts.
4. Develop laboratory skills, including safe handling of equipment and materials.
5. Analyze and interpret data to draw conclusions about the identity of unknown
samples.

Materials:
1. Metal salts (sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride, potassium
bitartrate, Borax powder pure)
2. long-handled lighter
3. Spatula
4. Heat-resistant plate
5. Safety goggles
6. Beakers with water
7. Lab coat/gown
8. Lab gloves

Procedure:
1. Prepare the Metal Salt Solutions:
 Dissolve a small amount of each metal salt in denatured alcohol. Use separate containers
or shallow heat-resistant plates for each metal salt solution.
 Stir gently to ensure the salts are fully mixed with the alcohol.
 Ensure the solution is spread out in a thin layer for better visibility of the flame color.
3. Introduce Flame:
 Using a long-handled lighter, carefully ignite the alcohol solution on the plate. The alcohol
will burn off, producing the characteristic flame color for the metal salt.
4. Record Observations:
 Observe and record the flame color produced by each metal salt solution as it burns.

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5. Repeat:
 Repeat the process for each metal salt solution using separate plates or thoroughly cleaning the
plate between tests to avoid contamination.
6. Test Unknown Samples:
 Pour the unknown metal salt solution onto a separate plate and ignite it. Record the flame color.
7. Compare and Identify:
 Compare the flame color of the unknown sample with the known metal salts to identify the metal
ion present.

Observations Table:
Metal Salt Flame Color
Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
Potassium Bitartrate (KC₄H5O6)
Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂)
Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO₄)
Borax pure powder (Na2H20B4O17)
Unknown sample
Unknown sample

Guide questions:

1. What color was produced by each known metal salt you tested? Were there any
unexpected results?

2. Why do different metals produce different colors in the flame test?

3. How does the energy of the emitted light relate to the transition between the excited
and ground states of electrons?

4. If you were to modify this experiment, what alternative methods could you use to
identify metal ions besides flame tests?

5. How can this test be useful in real-world applications like forensic science or
pyrotechnics?

6. Attach your findings on the provided space below (you may also add another page for
the compilation of pictures/documentations):