Flame tests Flashcards
1
Q
Li+
A
Red
2
Q
Na+
A
Yellow
3
Q
K+
A
Lilac
4
Q
Ca2+
A
Orange-red
5
Q
Cu2+
A
Blue-green
6
Q
How to carry out a flame test
A
- Dip a nichrome wire in concentrated hydrochloric acid
- Dip nichrome wire into solid sample. Use a very small amount of material for best results
- Hold the flame test wire in a non-luminous (blue) flame and note the colour of the flame.
7
Q
What two properties make nichrome a good material to make the wire from?
A
- It’s inert meaning it won’t react with the chemical
- It has a high melting point
8
Q
Why is concentrated hydrochloric acid used?
A
The acid makes the compound stick and cleans the wire in between samples (burns off the metal)
9
Q
Why is a non-luminous flame used?
A
To make it easier to see the colours (orange would mask it)
