|
| |
Flame Tests
Just as a fingerprint is unique to each person, the color of light emitted
after excitation of an element is different for each element. When a metallic
element’s electrons absorb energy, by heating for example, the electron is said
to become “excited”. When an excited electron moves back to its “ground state”
(non-excited), energy is emitted in the form of light.
Materials:
 | Toothpicks or wood splints |
| Paper cups |
| Large candle |
| Metal pie pan |
| Distilled water |
| Pliers or tongs |
| Solutions made from metal compounds:
 | Calcium (calcium chloride) |
| Copper (copper chloride) |
| Potassium (potassium chloride) |
| Sodium (sodium chloride) |
|
Procedure:
- Dissolve a small amount of each metal compound in distilled water. (The
concentration is not important) Use a separate paper cup for each metal
solution. Label the cups with the names of the metal solutions. Fill and label
one cup with plain distilled water to serve as a control.
- Soak some wood splints or toothpicks in each solution cup.
- Place a candle securely in the metal pie pan, and pour some water in the
pan. Light the candle, remembering flame safety.
- Use the tongs or pliers to hold a toothpick so the soaked end is in the
candle’s flame. Observe the color, and record data in the table below.
|
Data Table
|
|
Metal |
Color |
Metal |
Color |
|
Calcium |
|
Potassium |
|
|
Copper |
|
Sodium |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
