Flame emission spectroscopy

• 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 lines on the spectrum indicate?

  The concentration of the ion
• How can flame emission spectroscopy identify multiple metal ions in a sample?

  By showing combined line spectra for all ions
• What can scientists do with the line spectrum of an unknown sample?

  Identify ions and calculate their concentrations
• What should you look for to identify metal ions in an unknown sample?

  Matching lines with known metal ions
• What are the three main benefits of instrumental methods like flame emission spectroscopy?

  Accuracy, sensitivity, and speed
• How do instrumental methods compare to manual tests?

  Instrumental methods are more accurate and sensitive
• Why are instrumental methods often automated?

  To reduce the need for constant human intervention