Experiment #2 / Unit 2

The Colors of Atoms

Introduction:
When atoms of elements are heated or subjected to a current of electricity, they give off
visible colored light. For example, the familiar red glow of a neon sign is caused by neon atoms
excited by electricity. Fireworks displays of purple, red, green, and yellow are the result of excited
metal atoms. In fact, the color given off by each atom is so exact that it can be used to identify
that atom. This experiment will consist of two parts and will introduce you to the colors of atoms.

Part I: Flame Tests

You will test various metal salts in a hot flame to learn the expected color given off by
each excited atom. The identification of elements was made easier after scientists found that
each element showed a characteristic color spectrum when it glowed. The secret was to provide
enough energy. In 1855, Robert Bunsen developed a burner which provided a flame of 800-900
o
C.

Procedure:
1. Light the propane burner with a striker.
2. Dip one end of a Q-tip in the beaker of salt solutionjust until damp!
3. Hold the tip in the flame of the burner. Record the color. (Observe color before Q-tip begins to
burn!)
4. Repeat with each salt. The salts available are lithium chloride (LiCl), barium chloride (BaCl2),
sodium chloride (NaCl), strontium chloride (SrCl2), calcium chloride (CaCl2), cesium chloride
(CsCl), copper (II) chloride (CuCl2) and potassium chloride (KCl).

NOTE: the glowing of these metal atoms are not chemical reactions. The electrons in each atom
are excited to a higher energy level by the heat. When these electrons fall back to their original
level, they emit the same energy in the form of light instead of heat. You give the electrons heat
so that they can jump up, and they give you colorful light when they fall back.

Part II: Line Spectra

Bohr proposed that the positions of the electrons in the atom were those of specific
energy levels around the nucleus. He suggested that if sufficient energy were given to an
electron, it would move from its original energy level/orbit to a higher energy level. This electron
was said to be in an "excited" state. When electrons fall back to a lower energy level, they release
the lost energy in the form of light. The energy levels in atoms of a particular element are different
from those of the atoms of any other element, thus the line spectrum of an element is unique to
that element and can be used to identify the element. Therefore, an element can be
"fingerprinted" by its line spectrum.
Instead of using a Bunsen Burner to excite the atoms, we will use electricity. You will use
a spectroscope or diffraction grating to observe the line spectra of several elements contained in
gas discharge tubes. Robert Bunsen also developed the spectroscope which separates
wavelengths of light from one another so that a particular pattern of brightly colored lines (the
"line spectrum") can be seen when the atoms glow.

Lab Report #2.2:

title page
procedure sheet with observations
questions and calculations

Honors Chemistry Raleigh Charter High School Dr. Genez 1

Observations (Part I): Record approximate of light emitted for each metal.

salt metal Color produced (nm)

LiCl

BaCl2
NaCl

SrCl2
CaCl2
CsCl

CuCl2
KCl
unknown

Observations (Part II): List each element and color in its line spectrum (vertically).

element line spectrum

Questions (answer in complete sentences and in detail):

1. Explain why atoms give off colored light.

2. What is a line (emission) spectrum? Why are only certain colors seen in a line spectrum?
3. Explain what both parts of this lab had in common and why.
4. Explain how fireworks produce their brilliant colors (research it!).
5. What metals would you put in a firework if you wanted it be red and green?
6. Using Bohrs model of the atom, illustrate the movement of an electron to show the
production of colored light. Label nucleus, energy levels, electron,
7. Which metal produced color indicating an e transition of greatest energy? How do you know?
8. Predict the flame color produced if the following substances were heated in a fire:
a. cupric nitrate (Cu(NO3)3) b. sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) c. potassium phosphate (K3PO4)

9. Which metal is most likely in the unknown solution?

10. Will an electron remain in an excited state without outside energy (e.g. a flame) input?
Explain.

Honors Chemistry Raleigh Charter High School Dr. Genez 2