Archer Salinas

Flame Test Lab Packet

Objective:

The objective of this lab is to observe the colors produced by different metal ions when burned in

a flame and use the observations to identify unknown metal ions.

Background information:

In the article “The History of Flame Test”; Flame tests have been a crucial tool in chemistry

since the 19th century, offering a simple yet powerful method for identifying elements. Flame

tests were used to observe and identify elements based on the unique colors. As technology

advanced, flame tests were supplanted by more precise methods such as atomic absorption

spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. This helps students

visualize abstract concepts like electron transitions and atomic emission, in other words it lights

up. The Science Behind Flame Tests; Atoms are made of a nucleus surrounded by electrons that

are different or specific energy levels, and when metal ions are heated in a flame the electrons

absorbed the energy in thus excited it then it falls to the ground state in thus creating energy in

the form of light. The emitted light depends on the amount of energy that was used, not to

mention that this is the phenomenon known as atomic emission. Different wavelengths of light to

emitted in flame tests to see the results, but flame tests are useful education tools, they do have

limitations though.

Applications of Flame Tests in Real Life; Flame tests, practical applications in both multiple

industries and scientific research. One of the well-known uses is the making of Fireworks.

Different metal salts are added to the fireworks to make vibrant color when they are ignited. This
application is a result of the unique flame colors produced by different metal ions, as observed in

the flame tests. Medical laboratories also use flame tests to see or detect metal ions in the body

fluids, although modern medical laboratories use automated analyzers for such tests, the

principles are rooted in simple flame tests techniques. In the environmental science field this can

be helpful by water or soil samples are clean, yet also ensuring public health. Flame tests remain

accessible and cost-effective method for preliminary analysis in various fields. This simplicity

practically ensures that flame tests continue to be fundamental experiments in chemistry

education and beyond.

Bibliography: Griffin, A. (2024)

Glossary:

Excited State: When electrons absorb energy and move to a higher energy level.

Ground State: The normal, lower-energy state of electrons in an atom.

Wavelength: The distance between two peaks of a wave, which determines the color of light.

Emission Spectrum: The range of wavelengths emitted by an atom’s electrons when they return

to their ground state.

Hypothesis

In my hypothesis I say that the flame colors change due to the metal ions being in the flame

cause the metal ions can be a different type of elements, so different metal ions the different the

color will be.

metal ions are elements and when but in the flame the flame color will change due to it being

element, that is how we also find different elements.

Materials

-Wood splints soaked in metal salt solutions (e.g. Sodium chloride, calcium chloride, copper

chloride, lithium chloride, strontium chloride, barium chloride)

-Bunsen burner

-safety goggles

-Tongs

-Distilled water (for rinsing splints between tests)

Safety Concerns

 Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from the flame and any splattering substances.

 Use tongs**to handle the wood splints to avoid burns

 Keep flammable materials**(Like paper, hair, or loose clothing) from the Bunsen burner

 Work in a well-ventilated area** to avoid inhaling fumes from the metal salts

 Do not touch** the metal salt solutions directly, as some may be harmful to the skin

 Dispose of used splints** in a designated container after the experiment

Procedure
First, you want to put on your goggles, when you are done set up the Busen burner on a heat-

resistant surface. After that light the Busen burner, adjusting the flame until it is blue and steady.

Once completed select a wood splint soaked in metal salt solution. When done use the tongs to

hold the splint and place it into the flame. Then observe the color of the flame and note it in the

data table. Next Rinse the splint in distilled water, then repeat steps 4-6 for each metal salt.

Finally Clean up your workstation after completing the experiment.

Metal Ion Flame Color Notes

Metal Ions Flame Color

Copper Sulfate Green

Copper chloride Blue

Calcium Chloride Orange

Strontium chloride Red

Data Analysis and Discussion

The colors observed in the data table are green, blue, orange, and red. The differences

in the

color intensity are the variation that causes all different colors, and the cause that

causes these

variations is the amount of light reflected from an object. The flame colors relate to the
information in the article because it shows how each element is different colors. The

connection

between flame colors and atomic emission spectra is that the distinct colors observed

when a

substance is heated in a flame are directly related to the specific wavelengths of light

emitted by

the excited electrons of that element. There were some flame colors that were

unexpected or

difficult to identify because one of them was a greenish and blueish color, so it was

difficult to

identify. Impurities or contamination in a sample can significantly affect the results of a

flame

test by masking the characteristic color of the intended element. These flame tests are

useful in

the real world because it helps with

Griffin, A. (2024). Applications of Flame Tests in Real Life.

Nolan, R. (2024). The Science Behind Flame Tests.

Sanchez, M. (2024). The History of Flame Tests.

Nolan, R. (2024). The Science Behind Flame Tests.

Sanchez, M. (2024). The History of Flame Tests.