Flame Tests Flashcards
1
Q
Lithium or Strontium
A
Red
2
Q
Sodium
A
Yellow or Orange
3
Q
Potassium
A
Purple
4
Q
Calcium
A
Orange - red
5
Q
Copper(III)
A
Blue - green
6
Q
How does a flame test work?
A
A flame test is used to show the presence of certain metal ions (cations) in a compound. A platinum or nichrome wire is dipped into concentrated hydrochloric acid and then into the salt you want to test, so that some salt sticks on the end. The wire and the salt are then held just within a non-luminous (roaring) Bunsen burner flame and the colour observed.
