Flame Test

       I.            Objectives: The objectives are to use the flame test to determine the identity of the cation in an unknown solution based on its characteristic color flame.

    II.            Materials & Procedures:

A.    Materials: Bunsen burner, 7 small test tubes, test tube rack, 7 small cotton swabs, NaCl, CaCl₂, LiCl₂, KCl, BaCl₂, SrCl₂, CuCl₂

B.     Procedures:

1.Draw the data table including compound cation and color.

2.Label the test tubes and add 1ml of chemicals to the test tubes.

3.Dip one end of the swab in the chemical and hold it in the flame. Record the color. Set swab aside.

4.Repeat step 3 for each chemical using a different swab for each one.

C.     Safety:

 III.            Analysis:

A.    Data Table

Compound Formula	Cation	Color
NaCl
CaCl2
LiCl2
KCl
BaCl2
SrCl2
CuCl2

 

B.     Questions:

1.Each salt solution produces a unique color. Would you expect this based on the modern view of the atom? Explain.

2.Some commercially available fireplace logs burn with a red and/or green flame. On the basis of your data, what elements could be responsible for these colored flames?

3.Aerial fireworks contain gunpowder and chemicals that produce colors. What element would you include to produce crimson red? Yellow?

 IV.            Conclusion: