Viewing Emission Spectra:

Flame Tests
Purpose
To view the characteristic of light emitted by ions when heated (flame tests).
Background
When a substance is heated, the atoms absorb energy from the flame. This absorbed energy allows
the electrons to be promoted to excited energy levels. From these excited energy levels, there is a natural
tendency for the electrons to make a transition or drop back down to the ground state. When an electron
makes a transition from a higher energy level to a lower energy level, a particle of light called a photon is
emitted. Both the absorption and emission of energy are quantized only certain levels are allowed.
Materials
Various metal chlorides, pre-soaked wooden splints
Procedure
1. Light the burner.
2. Place one of the pre-soaked wooden splints into the metal chloride. Knock off any excess metal
chloride.
3. Wave the splint across the flame. Do not keep the splint in the flame. Observe and record the
color.
Data

Conclusion and Evaluation

1. Was the flame test testing for the metal or the chlorine in the compound? How can you test to be
sure that the same metal will produce the same color?

2. How was the color made when the metals were heated? Draw a diagram to help explain.

3. Based on the colors seen when heated, place the ions in order from lowest energy to highest
energy emitted.

4. Could you identify a mixture of metals using this test? Why or why not?

5. A glass rod was heated in a burner flame and gave off a bright yellow flame. What metal ion
predominates in the glass rod?

Adapted from Flame Tests, Flinn Chemtopic Labs, Volume 3: Atomic and Electron Structure, 2003