flame tests

• • flame test identify cations (metal ions)
• • lithium ions produce a crimson flame
• • sodium ions produce a yellow flame
• • potassium ions produce a lilac flame
• • calcium ions produce an orange-red flame
• • copper ions produce a green flame
• how to do the test:

  • clean platnium wire loop by dipping in hydrochloric acid
  • dip loop in intended sample and place on blue flame
  • record colour of flame
• • if the sample being tested contains a mixture of ions, the more reactive ion will show in the flame test