Flame Emission Spectroscopy Flashcards
1
Q
What is flame emission spectroscopy
A
When metal ions are heated, they emit light
Wavelengths of their light are specific to that particular metal ion
Uses a spectroscope to detect individual wavelengths that are emitted
2
Q
Why is this device better than the flame test
A
Every different metal ion produces a different pattern of wavelengths
The unique line spectrum can identify that metal
3
Q
The intensity of the lines on the spectrum indicate what
A
Concentration of the ion
4
Q
What’s the main advantage of the spectroscope
A
If a sample contains multiple different metal ions, the spectrum will show the lines for all of them
5
Q
3 Benefits of using a spectroscope instead of the flame test
A
- very accurate
- very sensitive
- very fast (can usually be automated)
