Flame Tests (for Metal Cations)

Question 1

How do you carry out a flame test?

Answer 1

• dip the loop of an unreactive metal wire into dilute HCl.
  -place the loop into blue flame to decontaminate it
  -dip the loop into the sample (solution or solid)
• hold loop in blue flame of Bunsen burner where a colour should be observed

Question 2

What does the colour of the flame indicate?

Answer 2

The type of positive metal ion (cation)

Question 3

What colour does the Lithium ion burn?

Answer 3

Li+ burns crimson

Question 4

What colour does the sodium ion burn?

Answer 4

Na+ burns yellow

Question 5

What colour does the Potassium ion burn?

Answer 5

K+ burns lilac coloured

Question 6

What colour does the calcium ion burn?

Answer 6

Ca2+ burns orange/ red

Question 7

What colour does the copper ion burn?

Answer 7

Cu2+ burns green