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Name __________________________________________________________ Period ______ Date _________________

Identification of Metals: Flame Tests Lab


Objectives:
1. To observe the colors emitted by various metal ions and use these observations in calculation.
2. To evaluate flame testing as a method of metal identification.
Pre-Lab Questions: Complete on a separate sheet of paper
1. List the colors in the visible spectrum in order from lowest to highest frequency.
2. Why do different metal compounds emit different colors of light?
3. What are the six metal ions you will observe in this lab?
Equipment: safety goggles, lab aprons, *metal salt (metal ions), metal loupes, Bunsen burners, methanol
*Metal salts
Sodium Chloride
Potassium Chloride

Strontium Chloride
Lithium Chloride

Copper(II) Chloride
Calcium Chloride

(Unknown Chloride)

Safety: Wear safety goggles at all times. Use extreme caution with Bunsen burner. They can cause severe burns.
Color
Metal(s)
longest wavelength
shortest wavelength
highest frequency
lowest frequency
highest energy
lowest energy
Procedure:
1. Go to designated lab station with metal salt.
2. Light Bunsen burner (once lit keep it on). Dip metal loupe into the test tube of methanol then into the metal salt
test tube.
3. Immediately and carefully place loupe over tip of flame. Observe color produced by metal salt and record. Place
the loupe on the table top for the next group to use.
4. Record your observations in your data table. Look at the color and find the wavelength by locating it on the
visible spectrum sheet.
5. Rotate to next station and repeat steps 1-5 until finished.
6. Analyze data by calculating C1, C2, C3, and C4.
Results and Analysis: Complete on your separate sheet of paper from the pre-lab
1. Show 1 sample calculation each for C1, C2, C3, and C4.
2. Using your data table, identify the color that had each of the following characteristics and write the metal ion(s) that
produced that color flame.
Post-Lab Questions/Conclusion: Complete on your separate sheet of paper from the pre-lab
1. How are wavelength and frequency related?
2. What particles are responsible for the production of colored light?
3. Why do chemicals have to be heated in the flame before the colorful light is emitted?
4. Order the metallic elements used in this flame test from smallest to largest energy, based on the light emitted.
5. Write a summary discussing what you have learned in this lab. Your discussion should include, but is not limited
to, the following:
Discuss the theory/background behind flame tests. What is happening?
o You must use the following terms: ground state, excited state, quantum, photon, electron, energy
level/orbital, visible light, flame test, Bunsen burner, metal ions and any more you need to create a
descriptive paragraph for the flame test.
What are some of the problems with using flame tests as a way to identify substances?
How is this related to fireworks?

Identification of Metals: Flame Tests Lab Data Table

Metal Ion

Lithium

Copper

Calcium

Sodium

Strontium

Potassium

A1

A2

A2

B1

C1

C2

C3

C4

Atomic
Number

Group

Period

Flame Color

Wavelength (nm)

Wavelength (m)

Frequency

Energy

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