A flame test is a simple way to find out which metal ions are in a substance.
When a sample is heated in a flame, the metal’s electrons get energy and jump to higher levels. When they fall back, they give off light. The color of this light is different for each metal.
How to do a flame test
- Dip a clean wire loop in hydrochloric acid.
- Put the loop in the sample.
- Hold it in the blue flame of a Bunsen burner.
- Look at the color of the flame.
Why flame tests are useful
- They help identify metal ions easily.
- They are quick and need little equipment.
- Each metal gives a unique color.
Limits of flame tests
- Some metals give weak or no color.
- Sodium’s bright yellow can hide other colors.
- The test only shows which metal is present, not how much.
In short:
A flame test helps find metals in a sample by the color of the flame they make when heated.