8.3.1

Flame Tests

Test yourself

Flame Tests

Some metal ions can be identified using flame tests. The following positive metal ions all produce a characteristic flame colour when burned:

Illustrative background for Lithium (Li<sup>+</sup>)Illustrative background for Lithium (Li<sup>+</sup>) ?? "content

Lithium (Li+)

  • Crimson flame.
Illustrative background for Sodium (Na<sup>+</sup>)Illustrative background for Sodium (Na<sup>+</sup>) ?? "content

Sodium (Na+)

  • Yellow flame.
Illustrative background for Potassium (K<sup>+</sup>)Illustrative background for Potassium (K<sup>+</sup>) ?? "content

Potassium (K+)

  • Lilac flame.
Illustrative background for Calcium (Ca<sup>2+</sup>)Illustrative background for Calcium (Ca<sup>2+</sup>) ?? "content

Calcium (Ca2+)

  • Orange-red flame.
Illustrative background for Copper (Cu<sup>2+</sup>)Illustrative background for Copper (Cu<sup>2+</sup>) ?? "content

Copper (Cu2+)

  • Green flame.

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

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