Flame Tests

• Flame test


  A test that proves which metal you have by observing the colour of the flame when the metal sample is held in it
• Flame test method


  1. Use a clean nichrome wire

  2. Dip the wire in hydrochloric acid to clean it

  3. Place the sample on the wire

  4. Use a roaring blue Bunsen burner flame
• There is a slightly easier way to perform the flame test in the lab
• Alternative flame test method

  Soak a splint in ethanol for hours, then dip the splint in the powder sample
• Copper ions


  • Produce a green-blue flame colour
• Lithium


  • Produces a crimson flame colour
• Potassium


  • Produces a lilac flame colour in both cold water and flame tests
• Sodium


  • Produces an orange-yellow flame colour
• Calcium


  • Produces a brick red orange flame colour
• Accurately learning the flame colours is important