Lab: Flame Test Instructions
Fireworks and their colors are the result of burning different compounds. The label has
fallen off one box filled with a compound and as the lead chemist your job is to identify
its contents. You will use your knowledge of unique properties of compounds to find
out what the box contains.
SAFETY WARNINGS!!
During the lab:

You must wear safety goggles

All sleeves must be above your elbows

Long hair must be tied back

No excessive talking during the experiment. Low, conversational voice level
only!

Keep your attention directed solely to the experiment at your table.

Each student will be given a minimum two opportunities to light the chemical
sample.

Unless you are the student designated to light the chemical sample, keep your
hands away from the burner!
The chemical sample has been soaked into a wooden coffee stirrer. You will hold the
chemical sample by one end using the supplied clothes pin. DO NOT ALLOW THE
SAMPLE TO BURN DOWN TO THE CLOTHES PIN. Violations of this rule will result in
a lab safety violation.
PRE-LAB
1. Write the chemical formula for each sample in the lab data chart.
2. Write the name of the compound for each sample in the lab data chart.
3. List each element in the compound for each sample in the lab data chart.
4. Leave sample #8 blank.
LAB PROCEDURE
1. One student at your table uncap the wick on the burner and light the wick using
one (1) match. Blow out the match and place it in the provided beaker.
2. Spend one minute watching the color of the flame to get a baseline for your
observations.
3. Once you have been handed a chemical sample, burn one end of the sample
over the wick. Write down your qualitative observations (color and one more) in
the lab data chart.
4. Blow out the chemical sample if it is still lit, and place it in the beaker.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for each sample through sample #7
6. For chemical sample #8, burn one end of the sample over the wick. Write down
your qualitative observations (color and one more) in the lab data chart.
POST LAB WRITE UP
Answer Questions 1 through 4 on Flame Test Lab Questions and Reflections sheet.
What you do not complete in class is homework.