Flame Tests

Specification Point 2.45:

Describe how to carry out a Flame Test

Flame Test: Used to identify the metal cations by the colour of the flame they produce

The flame test of metal cations

Method:

Clean platinum or nichrome wire by dipping it into hydrochloric acid then placing it in the roaring flame (this is repeated until the wire no longer produces a colour in the flame).
The end of the wire is dipped into fresh hydrochloric acid and then into the solid sample under test.
The end of the wire should then be placed into a non-roaring, non-luminous Bunsen flame.
Colour of flame is observed and recorded.

Specification Point 2.46:

Know the colours formed in flame tests for these cations: Li⁺ is Red, Na⁺ is Yellow, K+ is Lilac, Ca²⁺ is Orange-red, Cu²⁺ is Blue-green

Identifying Metal Cations by Flame Colour

Metal cations by colour, CIE IGCSE Chemistry

Results:

Cation by flame colour, Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry

Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry Notes

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Author: Jamie

Jamie got a First class degree in Chemistry from Oxford University before going on to teach chemistry full time as a professional tutor. He’s put together these handy revision notes to match the Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry specification so you can learn exactly what you need to know for your exams.