4. Inorganic Chemistry (FLAME TEST)

Question 1

Describe how to test a sample using flame tests

Answer 1

1) use a nichrome wire
2) clean wire by dipping in concentrated HCl. Hold in bunsen burner flame.
4) Do this multiple times until clean
4) if the sample isn’t powdered then grind it up
5) dip wire in fresh hydrochloric acid then in the powder and hold sample in blue bunsen flame
6) Observe the colour

Question 2

Give flame colour for lithium

Answer 2

Scarlet red

Question 3

Give the flame colour for sodium

Answer 3

Yellow

Question 4

Give the flame colour for potassium

Answer 4

Lilac

Question 5

Give the flame colour rubidium

Answer 5

Red

Question 6

Give the flame colour for caesium

Answer 6

Blue

Question 7

Give the flame colour for magnesium

Answer 7

No colour - light emitted in visibe light sectrum

Question 8

Give the flame colour for calcium

Answer 8

Brick red

Question 9

Give the flame colour for barium

Answer 9

Green

Question 10

What is the species of the metal when it is being tested in a flame test

Answer 10

Ion
–> metal ion

Question 11

Describe what happens during a flame test

Answer 11

When a metal ion is heated, electrons absorb energy and become excited and are promoted to a higher energy level from ground level.
Electron then returns to the lower energy level
As it drops, energy is released in the form of visible light
The colour is specific depending on the wavelength of light emitted