Atomic Emission Spectra Lab

Directions: From the lab video, record the color of flame produced by each of the metals. Use the
chart provided to find the approximate wavelength of the light of each flame using the chart.
1. Before beginning, record the atomic number of the metal in each salt listed below (the metal is
the first element listed).
2. Use the equation c = n ·𝛌 (speed of light = frequency x wavelength) to calculate the frequency.
Be sure to convert the wavelength of meters before you put it into the equation. (1 m = 1 x 10 9
nm)
3. Use the frequency in the equation E = h · 𝛎 (h = 6.63 x 10 -34 J·s ) to calculate the energy of the
light.
**** You must show your work on all calculations to receive credit! Take a picture of your work
and upload it to Canvas with your Lab. You can submit more than one document. ***

Metal Ion Atomic Color of Wavelength Frequency Energy

Tested Number Flame (m) (Hz) (J)

KCl 19 violet 4.00x10^-7m 7.5x10^14Hz 4.97x10^/-19

CuCl2 29 green 5.10x10^-7m 5.9x10^14Hz 3.91x10^-19

CaCl2 20 orange 5.90x10^-7m 5.1x10^14Hz 3.38x10^-19

NaCl 11 yellow 5.70x10^-7m 5.3x10^14Hz 3.51x10^-19

SrCl2 38 red 6.50x10^-7m 4.6x10^14Hz 3.05x10^-19

LiCl 3 red 6.50x10^-7m 4.6x10^14Hz 3.05x10^-19

Part 2- Describe the incandescent and fluorescent lights and how they look different through the
spectrum filter.
 1. Incandescent spectrum
Description: You can see the light break up and disperse in every direction.

2. Fluorescent spectrum
Description: This works similarly like the incandescent light but since the shape of the light is
different it creates parallel horizontal lines of color.

Part 3- Look at the 3 different gas tubes placed in the power source. Describe what it looks like with
and without the spectrum filter.
Gas Tube Description (with and without the spectrum filter)

Hg The tube appears to be a constant light blue color but with the
spectrum filter the light breaks up into a grid pattern displaying green
and dark blue colors

He The helium tube appears to be a constant light orange but with the
spectrum filter breaks up into a grid pattern while displaying the
many colors that go into the helium bulb. Note: the grid pattern fades
on the ends.

Ne The neon bulb appears to be a constant neon red light but with the
spectrum filter it displaces into a titled grid pattern of neon red bulbs.

Discussion Questions- You do not have to use complete sentences but be sure you are thorough!
1. What are some problems with using flame tests as a way to identify substances?
Using a spectroscope is much harder to use when the flame isn’t fully constant and may flicker
every once in a while.

2. Explain how the colors are created by the atoms. When the energy of the atom is increased it
corresponds with the wavelength of light and produces colors

3. How are wavelength and frequency related? Wavelength and energy? Frequency and
energy?
They are dependent on each other within the process of producing colors of light.

4. What practical uses are there for this phenomenon?

It can be used to determine identity of an unknown metal of an ionic salt based on the
characteristic color the salt turns the flame of a bunsen burner.