Flame Emission Spectroscopy (Flame Photometry)

• What is flame emission spectroscopy also known as?

  Flame photometry
• What happens to metal ions when they are heated?

  They emit light at specific wavelengths
• How does the flame test work?

  By heating metal over a Bunsen burner flame
• What is a limitation of the flame test?

  It struggles with similar colored metals
• How does flame emission spectroscopy overcome the limitations of the flame test?

  By using a spectroscope to detect wavelengths
• What does each metal ion produce in flame emission spectroscopy?

  A unique line spectrum
• What does the intensity of the lines on the spectrum indicate?

  The concentration of the ion
• What happens when a sample contains multiple metal ions in flame emission spectroscopy?

  The line spectrum shows lines for all ions
• How can scientists identify ions in an unknown sample?

  By comparing its spectrum to standard spectra
• What is the process for identifying ions in an unknown sample?

  Look for matching lines in the spectrum
• What are the three main benefits of instrumental methods like flame emission spectroscopy?

  Accuracy, sensitivity, and speed
• What does flame emission spectroscopy require to operate?

  Expensive machines
• Compare the flame test and flame emission spectroscopy.

  • Flame test: Basic, cheap, limited accuracy
  • Flame emission spectroscopy: Instrumental, accurate, sensitive, fast
• Why are instrumental methods often preferred over manual tests?

  They provide better results and efficiency
• What can be calculated alongside identifying ions in an unknown sample?

  The concentrations of each ion
• What is the role of computer programs in flame emission spectroscopy?

  To identify ions in unknown samples