Flame Tests Flashcards
Flame color of Lithium Cation
Red
Flame color of Sodium cation
Yellow/orange
Flame color of Pottasium cation
Lilac
Flame color of Rubidium cation
Red/Purple
Flame color of Caesium cation
Blue/Violet
Flame color of Beryllium cation
No color
Flame color of Magnesium cation
No color
Flame color of Calcium cation
Brick Red
Flame color of Strontium cation
Crimson Red
Flame color of Barium cation
Apple Green
Materials used for metal wire and why?
Platinium, nichrome or silica as they are all very unreactive and resist the heat of the flame
How to ensure color is more intense?
Dip the wire in HCl. This converts metal compounds to chlorides which produce a better color
Where to place metal wire
Edge of blue flame
How to clean wire?
Dip in conc HCl and hold in bunsen flame till it produces no color.
Test for NH4+ (Ammonium) ions and why we do it?
No flame color test. Add sodium hydroxide solution and warm the mixture. Releases ammonia gas which can be tested.
