Activity 1:

“The Flame Test”

Objectives:
Determine the characteristic colors that metal salts emit: and
Relate the colors emitted by metal salts to the structure of the atom.

Materials:
0.50 grams for each of the following metal salts:

*Calcium chloride *Sodium chloride *Copper (ii) sulfate *Potassium chloride

*Boric acid

*100 ml 95% ethanol (or ethyl alcohol) *1oo ml 3 m hydrochloric acid *6 pieces
watch glass

*1 piece 10-ml graduated cylinder *1 piece dropper *Safety matches

Wear goggles, gloves and a safety apron while performing

the activity.

Do this activity in a well-ventilated area.

Caution
Handle hydrochloric acid with care because it is corrosive.

Ethyl alcohol is flammable.

Be careful to extinguish all matches after use.

Procedure:
1. Place each metal salt on a watch glass and add 2 to 3 drops of 3 m hydrochloric acid.
2. Pour about 3-5 ml or enough ethyl alcohol to cover the size of a 1 peso-coin in the first
watch glass. Light with a match and observe the color of the frame. ( this will serve as
reference for comparison of the flame color. ) Wait for the flame to be extinguished or
put out on its own.
3. Repeat procedure no. 2 for each salt. Observe the color of the frame.

Boric Calciu Sodiu Potassi Coppe

ethanol acid m m um r ii
ethan
chlorid chlorid chloride sulfate
ol e
e
 4. Write your observation in a table similar to the one below.

Table 1: color of flame of metal salts

Metal salt tested Element producing Color of the flame
color
Boric acid Boron
Calcium chloride Calcium
Sodium chloride Sodium
Potassium chloride Potassium
Copper (ii) sulfate copper

Guide questions:

Q1. Why do you think are there different colors emitted?

Q2. What particles in the heated compounds are responsible for the production of the colored light?

Q3. How did the scientists explain the relationship between the colors observe and the structure of the atom?