Flame Tests

Flame Tests

1. Copper = Green

2. Potassium = Lilac

3. Calcium = Red

4. Sodium = Orange/Yellow

5. Flame tests can be used to detect some metal ions.

6. Method

   • 1) Equipment = Bunsen burner, Nichrome wire, Acid, Chemicals to test, Heat protective mat
   • 2) Light the bunsen burner and put the nichrome wire in the flame to see if it is contaminated. If it's contaminated, clean the nichrome wire in acid and proceed.
   • 3) Dip the nichrome wire into a chemical and place in the edge of the flame and not down the flame colour to determine the chemical.
   • 4) Dip into acid to decontaminate and repeat.