Practical activity (Exploring the properties of metal ions using a hot flame)

Practical activity

You will now use the hot flame in the Flame test application to explore the properties of metal ions. Read the following sections before accessing the application.

In this practical you will collect solid samples of different metal compounds on a nichrome wire and place each one in the hot flame of a Bunsen burner.

You will observe the colour of the flame and use a spectroscope to observe the emission line spectrum of each element examined.

If you were carrying out this experiment in a laboratory, what personal protective equipment would you need?

When you access the Flame test application homepage, first watch the introductory video which explains how to carry out the activity.

Once you have watched the video, make the following notes in your laboratory notebook:

  1. Write the step-by-step method you will use to carry out the experiment.
  2. Draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus.
  3. Copy the tables below into your laboratory notebook. You will use this to record your observations for the named metal ions salt solutions and the two mystery samples.

Element

Chemical symbol

Colour of flame

Description of the spectrum

Sodium

Na

Yellow

Two bright yellow lines, one weaker blue line, one weaker green line and one weaker red line

Lithium

 

 

 

 

 

Potassium

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

 

 

 

 

 

Strontium

 

 

 

 

 

Sample

Colour of flame

Description of the spectrum

Elements present

1

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

You are now ready to access the experiment and start your investigation in the OpenSTEM Africa Virtual Laboratory.

Complexometric titration

Click on the icon below to access the Flame test application homepage in the OpenSTEM Africa Virtual Laboratory.

Watch the introductory video before entering the experiment.

Titration icon

Once you have completed your investigation, write your answers to the following questions in your laboratory notebook.

  1. Explain how the flame colours and emission line spectra enabled you to identify mystery samples 1 and 2.
  2. Explain in your own words how the colours are produced in fireworks. If possible, discuss your ideas with your classmates and teacher.

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