Cations Testing - Flame Testing

Question 1

How do you clean the flame test loop?

Answer 1

A. Light the Bunsen burner and open the air hole to give a hot blue flame
B. Dip the flame test loop in dilute hydrochloric acid. Hold the loop in the flame then dip it in water.
C. If you see an intense flame colour at step B., repeat step B. Until you only see a faint flame colour or none.

Question 2

How do you determine flame test colours?

Answer 2

D. Dip the clean flame test loop into one of the four solids containing Li+, Na+, K+ or Ca2+ ions (2=superscript)
E. Hold the loop in the edge of a hot blue flame. Observe and record the flame test colour.
F. Test the other known solids as in steps D and E, remembering to clean the loop before each test.

Question 3

What is the flame test colour for metal ion lithium, Li

Answer 3

Red

Question 4

What is the flame test colour for metal ion sodium Na

Answer 4

Orange

Question 5

What is the flame test colour for metal ion potassium K

Answer 5

Lilac

Question 6

What is the flame test colour for metal ion calcium Ca2 (superscript)

Answer 6

Red

Question 7

What is the flame test colour for metal ion copper

Answer 7

Green