Flame Tests

When compounds of certain metals are heated, they exhibit a CHARACTERISTIC colour in a flame. This is useful for identifying specific METAL IONS:

LITHIUM IONS (Li⁺): Crimson flame

SODIUM IONS (Na⁺): Yellow flame

POTASSIUM IONS (K⁺): Lilac flame

CALCIUM IONS (Ca²⁺): Orange-red flame

COPPER IONS (Cu²⁺): Green flame

To perform a flame test:

1. Clean a METAL WIRE by dipping it in ACID and placing it into a BLUE bunsen burner flame.
2. Dip the METAL WIRE into the sample to be tested.
3. Place the metal wire into a BLUE Bunsen burner flame again.
4. Observe and record the colour of the flame.

Note: The flame test is best for samples containing a SINGLE metal ion, as the presence of MULTIPLE metal ions can MASK the colours.