Flame Tests for Metal Ions Flashcards

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What is a flame test used for in chemistry?

A flame test is used to identify metal ions by the colour they make in a Bunsen burner flame.

What is the basic method for doing a flame test with a metal compound?

Clean a wire loop, dip it into the metal compound, then hold it in a Bunsen burner flame and observe the flame colour.

Why must the wire loop be cleaned before doing a flame test?

The loop is cleaned to remove other metal ions so they do not give the wrong flame colour.

Why is a non-luminous (roaring) blue Bunsen flame used for flame tests?

It is used because it is hot and almost colourless, so the flame colour from the metal ion is easier to see.

What flame colour does the lithium ion, Li⁺, produce?

Lithium ions give a crimson red flame.

What flame colour does the sodium ion, Na⁺, produce?

Sodium ions give a bright yellow flame.

What flame colour does the potassium ion, K⁺, produce?

Potassium ions give a lilac flame.

What flame colour does the calcium ion, Ca²⁺, produce?

Calcium ions give an orange-red (brick red) flame.

What flame colour does the copper(II) ion, Cu²⁺, produce?

Copper(II) ions give a green or blue-green flame.

Why can it be hard to see some flame colours when sodium ions are present?

Sodium’s bright yellow flame is very strong and can hide the colours from other metal ions.