Chemistry Lab: Flame Tests

(Bold Face type needs to be included in your lab write-up)

Guiding Question: Which element tested is most likely the element with an energy of
4.20x10-19 J?

Claim:

Materials:

 Bunsen burner  Strikers or lighters

 Beaker of water  Goggles
 Wooden splints or cotton swabs  Apron
 Metallic ion solutions

Pre-Lab Questions:
1. List at least 5 parts of the electromagnetic spectrum (not just visible light) from lowest
to highest energy.
2. Of visible light, what color is lowest in energy? What is the highest?
3. Calculate the energy of a photon of UV light with a wavelength of 3.75 x 10 -7 m. Show
your work.
Procedure:
1. Place a wooden splint each of the solutions and let soak for 10 minutes (if using cotton
swabs, they do not need to soak – dip them in solution and wipe the excess off on the
rim of the vial).
2. Place the soaked end of the wooden splint on the extreme edge of the Bunsen burner
flame. Move the splint back and forth through the flame, using caution to not burn the
splint.
3. Record the observed flame color in the data table and estimate the wavelength.
4. Place the splint in the beaker of water and repeat with another solution.
5. After you have collected all of the data, test the unknown solution and identify the
metal ion in the solution.
Tips:

 Be careful not to cross contaminate the solutions.

 View the potassium chloride flame through a blue glass, if available
  Observe the colors before the splints begin to burn. The wood or cotton will produce a
yellow/orange flame that will interfere with the results.
 Make very careful observations and be as detailed as you can about the colors. Some of
the colors will be similar.

Evidence:

Solution Flame Color Observed Estimate the

Wavelength (nm)
Calcium Chloride
Copper II Chloride
Lithium Chloride
Potassium Chloride
Sodium Chloride
Strontium Chloride
Unknown Solution:
___________________

Calculations and Question:

1. Calculate the frequency (using your estimated wavelengths) and energy released for
the following ions:
a. Strontium
b. Copper
c. Sodium
2. Explain the relationship between an electron being in an excited state, the ground
state, and the photon of light observed.
Reasoning:
Write your reasoning to support your claim. You may want to include some of the following,
but do not list these as questions and answers.
1. Summary of your results
2. Identity which of the 6 solutions was most likely the unknown and why.
3. Which substances were difficult to distinguish from one another.
4. Identify something that a group might have done wrong to get completely different
answers – be specific as to what could have been done and what the results would have
been.
5. In your reasoning also explain the relationship between an electron being in an excited
state and the flame test/colors emitted.