Chemistry

Name ________________________________ Period ___ Date ___/___/___

Flame Test Lab

Background

A t o m i c

a n d

M o l e c u l a r

S t r u c t u r e

When ions or vapors of metals are heated in a flame some of their electrons gain energy. These electrons move to higher energy levels. As they return to their previous state, these electrons lose this energy in the form of light. Different metal ions produce unique spectra and thus distinct colors. Fireworks and spectrometry are practical applications of this phenomenon. Procedure Part 1: 1. Observe the various elements through the spectroscope. 2. Using colored pencils, draw the line spectrum that is observed for each element. Part 2: Do the following for each compound provided: 1. Set up your Bunsen burner so that you have a non-colored flame. 2. Obtain the appropriate labeled cup with a wooden splint in it. 3. Wipe the wooden splint against the cup so that the splint does not drip. 4. Place the splint into the non-colored flame of a Bunsen burner. Note the characteristic color that is added to the flame. 5. Record your observations and draw the flame as you saw it (COLOR IS APPROPRIATE HERE!) 6. Once you finish, dispose of the used wooden splint in the beaker labeled USED SPLINTS. And return the labeled cup back to its original location. 7. Repeat all steps with all assigned compounds. 8. You may keep the flame on; however, it must be monitored at all times. Post-lab Questions a separate sheet. Answer in complete sentences! If you need more room, answer on

1. What color was the flame of the unknown? From looking at the color, what metal ion is the unknown compound composed of? 2. What test can you do to make sure the flame color you see is NOT due to the anion? 3. The wooden splints were not dry nor dripping wet, but damp. Why was this necessary? 4. E.T. comes to visit you and brings along some alien crystals. How could you identify the elements in these crystals? 5. When a pan of milk boils over onto the stove the flame turns red-orange. Explain why. 6. A firework contains copper chloride and strontium sulfate. What colors will this explosive produce? 7. What colors would you expect the following compounds to produce: strontium sulfate & strontium chloride? Why? 8. How do you think the study of light emission can help determine the composition of stars?

Data & Observations Part 1 # Element 1 2 3 4 5 Part 2 # Chemical Formula NaNO3 1

Color Bands Observed

Observations

Diagram & COLOR of Flame

Observations Person who did the test:

Person who did the test: LiCl 2

Person who did the test: BaCl2 3

Person who did the test: Ca(NO3)2 4

5 Cu(NO3)2

Person who did the test:

Person who did the test: KNO3 6

Person who did the test: Sr(NO3)2 7

Person who did the test:

KCl

Person who did the test:

MgCl2

Person who did the test:

10

Unknown