Flame Test Lab
Think – Write – Pair - Share
• List all the features we know about the
structure of an atom.
The Electronic Behavior of
Atoms
• Remember that protons are important in
determining the identity of an atom.
• However the electrons are equally
important in determining the behavior of an
atom.
• The reactions that we see and experience
on a daily basis are a result of the behavior
of electrons!
Remember Ionization
Energy 
• Ionization energy is the amount of energy
required to remove an electron.
• Higher IE means that it is harder for an atom
to lose an electron
• Low IE means that it is easier for an atom to
lose an electron. (In these cases, the
element actually wants to lose an electron.)
Think – Write – Pair – Share
We know that when electrons are hit with a
sufficient ionization energy, an electron will be
removed.
Question: So, what do you think will happen if
we don’t add enough energy to completely
remove an electron??
Think – Write – Pair –
Share
Question: So, what do you think will happen if
we don’t add enough energy to completely
remove an electron??
Answer: Electrons get excited! This doesn’t last
though and they crash back down to their
“ground state”. These electrons release a
photon on the way down.
Visible Spectrum
• The photon released
by the electron will
have a different
frequency,
wavelength
depending on the
amount of energy
released.
• This specific amount
of energy will also
allow for a
macroscopic
observation: a
specific color.
Flame Test Lab
What is the relationship
between the following
variables: wavelength,
frequency, and energy?
• Before we begin the lab, let’s
write our ideas.
(Use the questions below to help you brainstorm.)
o What do you already know about light and
different colors that we can see?
o Where have you heard the terms wavelength
and frequency?
o What do already know about the definitions of
wavelength and frequency?
o How do you think wavelength and frequency are
related to energy?
o How do you think different elements compare in
the energy they release?
Safety Do Now
Isabella was using a Bunsen burner during her flame
test lab. While Julian was walking in the aisle, he
tripped over a backpack and bumped into Isabella.
During this accident her baggy sleeve passed too
close to the flame and caught on fire. She screamed
in panic and so did Julian, not sure what to do. The
teacher hurried over and managed to smother the
flame with a fire blanket, but Isabella had to go to the
hospital to attend to her burn.
1. Identify two safety rules that could have prevented
this situation.
Bunsen Burner Procedure
and Safety
• To light a Bunsen Burner:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Make sure your lab space is clear of anything flammable.
Methane gas is VERY flammable.
Plug in the burner to the gas valve.
Light a match FIRST
Turn on the gas. Don’t turn on the gas prior to lighting the
match. We don’t want methane gas flowing throughout
the classroom.
Bring the match slowly up from beneath the top of the
burner.
Avoid pointing the burner at anything (like a person)
Light the burner and adjust the flame height using the
gas valve.
Helpful Hints
• Rotate the splints in the flame.
o The water evaporates causing the salt to reform producing
more vibrant colors
• Don’t drip!
Flame Test Lab
Materials
Potassium chloride (KCl)
Strontium chloride (SrCl2)
Sodium chloride (NaCl)
Calcium chloride (CaCl2)
Copper (II) chloride
(CuCl2)
• Lithium chloride (LiCl)
•
•
•
•
•
Purpose
• Today, we are taking our
macroscopic observations.
We will observe the
characteristic colors of
different elements.
• Think about what is
happening at the
nanoscopic level.
• Remember, our purpose is
to determine the
relationship between
wavelength, frequency, and
energy.