Flame Emission Spectroscopy
Science Practicals: GCSE, topic 2.1.13
Flame Emission Spectroscopy
Flame emission spectroscopy is an instrumental method used to identify the metal ions present in a solution and their concentrations.
The process
- Place a sample of a metal solution into a flame. Light is emitted.
Spectroscopes
- The light that is emitted is captured by a spectroscope.
- This instrument can distinguish between different wavelengths of light to produce a line spectrum.
Flame Emission Spectroscopy Analysis
We can analyse the line spectra produced by flame emission spectroscopy to see which metal ions are present. We can also work out the concentration of the metal ions.
Identity of metal ions
- Each metal ion will generate a distinct line spectrum. This means that we can identify all ions present in a solution.
Concentration of metal ions
- The intensity of line spectra gives information about the concentration of an ion.
Reference spectra
- Unlike flame tests, flame emission spectroscopy allows us to analyse mixtures by comparing them with reference spectra.
Test yourself on Flame Emission Spectroscopy
What can flame emission spectroscopy determine about a solution?
Why can a spectroscope produce a line spectrum from the emitted light?
What is the output of spectroscopes?
Why can flame emission spectroscopy identify the metal ions in a mixture, unlike a simple flame test?