Flame Test for Metals

I. Introduction

Metals have different properties. To name a few, metals are lustrous, malleable, ductile,
and good conductors of heat and electricity. The flame test is a chemical test for metals
and metal compounds. When heated strongly, some metals and metal compounds
produce light of special colors. In this experiment, however, we are ought to find the
identity or possible identity of a metal or metalloid ion found in an ionic compound.

II. Materials
 Nichrome wire as somehow an “inoculation loop”
 Test tubes
 Test tube rack
 Metal solution, in this case: Ca, Pb, Sr, Rb
 Water
 Beaker
 Bunsen burner

III. Procedures
1. For safety, wear a laboratory gown, gloves, and goggles.
2. Place the test tubes into the test tube rack.
3. One by one, gently pour the metal solutions into the test tubes.
3.1. Pour the calcium solution
3.2. Then the lead solution
3.3. Next is the strontium solution
3.4. Lastly is the rubidium solution
4. Label the metal solutions accordingly.
5. Open the Bunsen burner.
5.1. Place it in a level surface.
 5.2. Connect the supply hose to the gas main and to the Bunsen burner.
5.3. Close the air holes.
5.4. Place a match or a lighter over the Bunsen burner
5.5. Turn the gas on.
6. Make sure that the nichrome wire is clean, then dip in the test tube containing the
metal solutions.
7. Place the wire on the hottest part of the flame and wait for the color to come out.
8. Record the color of the flame when the wire is placed on the flame.
9. Cleanse the nichrome wire by submerging it into the beaker with water and wipe
it with a paper towel or tissue to dry.
10. Repeat the steps six to nine to each metal solutions.

Expected Results:
Metal Flame Color
Calcium (Ca) Red-orange
Lead (Pb) Gray-white
Strontium (Sr) Red
Rubidium (Rb) Red-violet