Grade Level/Subject
Unit
Enduring
Understanding
SOL Objectives
Physical Science 8th grade
Introduction to matter
All matter can be identified by its properties.
Title
Lesson Objective:
Firework Compounds-Flame Test
Observe flame colors emitted by various
compounds. Determine the composition of an
unknown compound.
2
Various salt solutions provided by the teacher.
Basic safety equipment for a flame lab.
Teacher provides the research question and the
methodology. Students gather data after
performing a routine procedure. Students draw
conclusions from guided questions.
Inquiry Level
Materials Needed
How is it Level 2?
PS.2
The student will investigate and understand the basic
nature of matter. Key concepts include
b) elements, compounds, mixtures, acids, bases, and
salts;
d) characteristics of types of matter based on physical
and chemical properties;
f) chemical properties (acidity, basicity,
combustibility, reactivity).
Firework Compounds- Flame test
Name __________________________
Date________
Per____
Introduction: Fireworks produce fantastic combinations of color when they are ignited. The
different colors are the results of different compound when they burn. Imagine that you are
the head chemist for a fireworks company. The label has fallen off one box, and you must
identify the unknown compound inside so that the fireworks may be used in the correct
fireworks display. To identify the compound, you will use your knowledge that every
compound has a unique set of properties.
Objectives:
1. Observe flame colors emitted by various compounds.
2. Determine the composition of an unknown compound.
Hypothesis: Make a hypothesis how you can identify a compound by heating it in a flame.
Explain your reasoning.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Materials:
Spark igniter
test wire
Bunsen burner
1 beaker of distilled water
4 -100 mL beakers of different chloride test solutions, labeled
Procedures:
1. Arrange the beakers so that the solutions are aligned according to their names on the
data table.
2. Using flame safety, light the Bunsen burner.
3. Clean the tip of the test wire by: dipping it into the distilled water and holding it in the
flame until no color is emitted. This is the cleaning procedure.
4. Dip the clean wire into the first test solution. Hold the wire in the center of the flame.
Record the color given to the flame. This is the testing procedure.
5. Repeat the cleaning procedure and testing procedure in steps 3 and 4 for each solution.
Gathering Data:
Data Table
Compound
Calcium Chloride
Potassium Chloride
Sodium Chloride
Unknown
Color of flame
Analyzing the Results:
1. Is the flame color a test for the metal or for the chloride in each compound? Explain
your answer.
2. By analyzing the names, how do we know if the solutions are elements or compounds?
3. What is the identity of the unknown solution? How do you know?
Drawing Conclusions:
4. Tell a compound that may have the same color as sodium chloride.
5. Why is it necessary to carefully clean the wire before testing each solution?
6. Each of the compounds you tested is made from chlorine, which is a poisonous gas a
room temperature. Why is it safe to use these compounds without a gas mask?
Reviewing Vocabulary:
1. Samples that contain only one type of atom found on the periodic table are
____________________.
2. Samples that contain elements in defined ratio combinations are ________________.
3. A compound written with subscripts showing its elements and ratios, like H2O2, is called
a chemical _______________.