Atomic emission process lab

Name Metal ion Color of Approx. Approx. Calculated Calculated frequencies

(formula) flame wavelength wavelength energies
(nm) (m)

NaCl sodium yellow 590 5.9e-7 2.18 x 10⁻​¹⁸(1/3²) F = ​299792458/750/580

=2.42x10⁻¹⁹ F = ​516883548 Mhz

SrCl​₂ strontium red 740 7.4e-7 2.18 x 10⁻​¹⁸(1/3²) F = ​299792458/750/660

=2.42x10⁻¹⁹ F = ​454230996 Mhz

KCl potassium lilac 440 4.4e-7 2.18 x 10⁻​¹⁸(1/6²) F = ​299792458/750/420

=6.06x10⁻²⁰ F = ​713791566 Mhz

CaCl​₂ calcium orange 625 6.25e-7 2.18 x 10⁻​¹⁸(1/3²) F = ​299792458/750/620

=2.42x10⁻¹⁹ F = ​483536222Mhz

CuCl copper green 565 5.65e-7 2.18 x 10⁻​¹⁸(1/4²) F = ​299792458/750/525

=1.36x10⁻¹⁹ F = ​571033253 Mhz

LiCl lithium red 740 7.4e-7 2.18 x 10⁻​¹⁸(1/3²) F = ​299792458/750/660

=2.42x10⁻¹⁹ F = ​454230996 Mhz

FeCl​₂ iron yellow 590 5.9e-7 2.18 x 10⁻​¹⁸(1/3²) F = ​299792458/750/580

=2.42x10⁻¹⁹ F = ​516883548 Mhz

CuSO​₄ copper green 565 5.65e-7 2.18 x 10⁻​¹⁸(1/4²) F = ​299792458/750/525

=1.36x10⁻¹⁹ F = ​571033253 Mhz

1. Different metals have different characteristic flame test colors because different metals
excite the electrons with energies, this difference in energy is what creates the different
colors
2. The metal is responsible for the color produced, as the metal excites the electrons to
jump to a higher energy level.
3. Because the heat gives the electrons the energy to jump to a higher energy level\
4. Flame tests are not conclusive, as not all metal salts give off colors, and different metal
salts give off similar or even the same color.
5. Using a spectroscope is a better method of identifying the metal in the salt, as it reads a
more precise value. In the lab, there were disagreements on the colors seen in the flame
tests. If a spectroscope is used then the wavelength of the metal salts flame color can be
matched precisely to the metal salt, and in turn the composition can be deduced.
The production of fireworks is a careful process in which a multitude of chemicals are mixed in
order to produce the desired effect. When it comes to firework rockets, a black powder
propellant core is usually packed in a strong cardboard tube or phenolic resin tube, and this is
what launches the firework into the air. After the core burns out and the projectile reaches
apogee, the main charge is ignited when the flame of the propellant core reaches the fuse of the
main charge (which is responsible for the color and explosion). This main charge consists of
black powder and various metal salts that produce the colors that are seen. The color comes
from the metal salts being heated to the point where they release their colors, (similar to a flame
test) for example, sodium chloride is used to create a yellow color as the charge explodes.