Flame Tests — GCSE Chemistry Revision
Revise Flame Tests for GCSE Chemistry. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
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Go to Pure Substances & FormulationsWhat is Flame Tests?
Flame tests are used to identify some metal ions (cations) by the characteristic colour they produce when heated in a flame. The colour is produced because the heat gives the electrons in the metal ion energy, and when they fall back to their original energy level, they emit light of a specific wavelength.
Board notes: Flame tests are a classic chemical test and are covered by all exam boards. You need to know the procedure and the characteristic flame colours for lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, and copper ions.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
To perform a flame test for potassium ions, a nichrome wire loop is cleaned and then dipped into a sample of a potassium salt. The loop is then placed into a hot, blue Bunsen flame. A lilac (pale purple) colour will be observed.
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Common mistakes
- 1Confusing the flame colours. For example, lithium gives a red flame, sodium a yellow/orange flame, and potassium a lilac flame.
- 2Not cleaning the wire loop properly between tests. The loop must be dipped in concentrated hydrochloric acid and heated until it gives no colour to the flame, to avoid contamination from previous samples.
- 3Thinking that the compound itself is burning. It is the metal ion within the compound that is responsible for the colour.
Flame Tests exam questions
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Flame Tests
Core concept
Flame tests are used to identify some metal ions (cations) by the characteristic colour they produce when heated in a flame. The colour is produced because the heat gives the electrons in the metal io…
Frequently asked questions
Why is a blue Bunsen flame used?
A blue, non-luminous Bunsen flame is used because it is very hot and has very little colour of its own, which means it won't interfere with the colour produced by the metal ion.
Which metal ion gives a crimson flame?
Lithium ions (Li⁺) produce a crimson or deep red flame colour.