12.5.3

Testing Cations - 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

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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