Your role: recorder, flame attendant, splint master, all are responsible for clean up and safety!
Flame Test Laboratory
Group members: ____________________________________________________
Part 1: Creating a Flame Test Key
As with line spectra, metallic elements will also create varying colours as a means of identification. In this case,
we will heat them in a flame to aid in this process. In this first part, you will create a FLAME TEST KEY using
your observation skills. This key will then be utilized to determine the identity of unknown metallic compounds
in Part 2.`
Materials
● Wooden splints soaked in various known metallic solutions
● Bunsen burner
● Flint lighter
● Safety glasses
● 250mL beaker
● 150mL tap water
Procedure
1.
2.
3.
4.
The Bunsen burner was lit as demonstrated in class following all safety guidelines
A wood splint soaked in a known metallic solution was touched to the light blue Bunsen burner flame
The colour of the Bunsen burner flame was observed and recorded in a chart (like the one below)
Steps 2 & 3 were repeated for other known metallic solutions
Observations
Complete the following observation table.
Sample #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Compound
Metallic Ion
Colour Observed
Part 2: Identifying an Unknown Metal in a Compound with a Flame Test
Purpose
The purpose of this portion of the lab is to use the flame test key developed in Part 1 to identify the unknown
metal in the compounds provided to you. There are THREE unknowns to identify. Please make sure that you
clearly indicate on your observation table the number of the unknown that you test.
Materials
●
●
●
●
●
●
Wooden splints soaked in various unknown metallic solutions
Bunsen burner
Flint lighter
Safety glasses
250mL beaker
150mL tap water
Procedure
1. The Bunsen burner was lit as demonstrated in class following all safety guidelines
2. A wood splint soaked in an unknown metallic solution was touched to the light blue Bunsen burner
flame
3. The colour of the Bunsen burner flame was observed and recorded in a chart (like the one below)
4. Steps 2 & 3 were repeated for other known metallic solutions
5. When you come to class for this lab tell Ms. Skinn your favourite ice cream flavour!!!!
Observations
Complete the following observation table.
Sample #
Compound
Metallic Ion
Colour Observed
1
2
3
Part 3: Conclusion & Discussion Questions
1. Conclusion: What can you identify about the unknown substances?
2. Identify two possible sources of error in this lab & suggest ways you might have been able to avoid
them.
3. Why did all sodium compounds show the same colour in the flame?
4. Why did the chemicals have to be heated before the coloured light is emitted? How is the light
produced?