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Flame Test Lab: Cation Identification

This document describes a flame test lab where students will: 1) Test known metallic salt solutions to observe their distinctive flame colors and identify unknown samples. 2) Safely wear goggles and aprons while testing samples in a Bunsen burner flame, observing the colors produced and recording results. 3) Identify two unknown metallic salt samples by comparing their flame colors to the known solutions.

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krisnu
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825 views4 pages

Flame Test Lab: Cation Identification

This document describes a flame test lab where students will: 1) Test known metallic salt solutions to observe their distinctive flame colors and identify unknown samples. 2) Safely wear goggles and aprons while testing samples in a Bunsen burner flame, observing the colors produced and recording results. 3) Identify two unknown metallic salt samples by comparing their flame colors to the known solutions.

Uploaded by

krisnu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Procedure
  • Flame Test Lab Introduction
  • Materials and Equipment
  • Flame Test Lab Data Sheet
  • Post-Lab Questions

Flame Test Lab

Objective:
 To determine the flame test colors of several cations
 To identify unknowns from their flame tests

Introduction:
A number of common metal ions give a distinct color to a flame. Therefore, a flame test is often
used as a confirmatory test in identifying an unknown metal.
Compounds of these ions provide the beautiful colors in a fireworks display. When glass is
melted in a Bunsen burner flame, sodium ions color the flame. A copper wire inserted into the
flame often results in a striking flame color. While the light emitted from a few excited metal
ions is beautiful, in the laboratory a simple flame test is often very helpful in identifying an
unknown metal ion.

Safety:
Wear goggles and an apron. Wash your hands before and after the lab.

Materials and Equipment:


 Bunsen burner / alcohol burner
 2 chrome/copper wire
 Wooden splints soaked in solutions of known metallic salts
 Wooden splint soaked in solution of unknown metallic salts

Procedure:
Part 1

1. Obtain wooden splints one at a time to prevent confusion and contamination.


2. Light your Bunsen burner and adjust to give a clear blue flame.
3. Holding on to the dry end of the splint, insert the splint into the inner blue cone of the flame.
4. Observe and record the flame color on your data table. Pay attention to differences in shade and
intensity of color. Don’t just write red, write ruby red, blood red etc.
5. Cool splint and label for use in comparison with your unknown, if necessary.
6. Repeat with remaining metal solutions.

Part 2

1. You will be given two unknown salts. Repeat the flame test and identify them.
2. After testing each known, obtain an unknown sample from your teacher.
3. Observe it flame color and record the color in the data table
4. Identify the unknown metal ion. If necessary, compare the unknown with your known splints.
5. Discard all non-glowing splints in the trash.
Name:____________________
Period:______

Flame Test Lab Data Sheet


Data Table

Metallic ion in Compound Ions Color of Flame


Sodium from NaCl

Barium from barium chloride

Barium from barium nitrate

Copper (II) from copper(II) sulphate

Potassium from KCl

Mg metal from Mg ribbon

Unknown sample 1

Unknown sample 2

Identity of unknown sample metal ion 1____________________


Identity of unknown sample metal ion 2____________________

Answer the following in complete sentences.

1. How can flame tests be used to identify unknown metallic compounds?


Name:____________________
Period:______

Post-Lab Question

Element Isotopic Notation Lewis Dot Structure Electron Configuration

Example:
14
Nitrogen
N 1. 1s22s22p3

7
Copper (II)

Calcium

Lithium

Sodium

Potassium
Name:____________________
Period:______

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