Flame Tests

• What can flame tests be used for?

  Identifying metal ions (Also known as cations)
• What is a nichrome wire made out of?

  A nickel - chromium alloy
• What colour will the flame be if a copper compound is passed through it?

  Green
• What colour will the flame be if a calcium compound is passed through it?

  Brick red
• What colour will the flame be if a lithium compound is passed through it?

  Crimson red
• What colour will the flame be if a potassium compound is passed through it?

  Lilac
• What colour will the flame be if a sodium compound is passed through it?

  Yellow
• A sample that contains a mixture of ions get passed through a flame. However, the colours of some of the ions don't show up. Suggest why

  If a sample contains a mixture of ions, some of the colours can be masked