Date:
Flame Test for Ionic Compounds
/15
Name:
Purpose: To determine the source of the flame colour when burning metal salts.
Hypothesis: I predict that the ___________________ (metal/non-metal) determines the
colour of the flame when burning ionic compounds. (1 mark)
Materials:
400mL beaker & water
Inoculating loop
Paper towel
Microwell tray
Samples of ionic compounds
Ethanol
Bunsen burner
Striker (for lighting Bunsen burner)
Safety glasses
Procedure:
1. Obtain materials. Put on safety glasses. Ensure a safe work space. Tie back long hair.
2. Light Bunsen burner using the flint striker. Adjust flame to blue/hot.
3. Dip inoculating loop in ethanol, then sample. Hold over tip of blue flame. Observe.
4. Douse and rinse inoculating loop in water. Pat dry.
5. Repeat steps 3 & 4 for the rest of the samples. Record your observations.
6. Turn off gas and clean and return your materials.
Observations (4 marks):
Record observations of each sample and the colour of the flames in the table below.
Copper (II) chloride
Potassium chloride
Copper (II) nitrate
Potassium nitrate
Analysis:
1. Write the formulas for each of the compounds used in this experiment. (4 marks)
Copper (II) chloride
Copper (II) nitrate
Potassium chloride
Potassium nitrate
2. In the above compounds, which are the metals and which are the non-metals? (2 marks)
Metals
Non-metals
Conclusion (4 marks):
3. Based on your observations, explain whether it is the metal or the non-metal that is
responsible for the colour of the flame. Indicate whether this supports or refutes your
hypothesis. Be sure to use complete sentences and refer to your observations in your
answer.