Flame Test Interactive
Virtual Flame Test Lab
Select an element to see what color flame it produces when tested. This is a great way to identify unknown compounds in the laboratory!
The Science Behind Flame Tests
Flame tests are a method used in chemistry to detect the presence of certain elements, primarily metal ions, based on the characteristic color the element gives to a flame.
How do flame tests work?
When a compound containing a metal is heated in a flame, the electrons in the metal atoms absorb energy and get excited, jumping to a higher energy level. When these electrons return to their original energy level, they emit energy in the form of light. The color of this light is specific to each element, which makes flame tests a useful identification method.
| Element | Flame Color | Wavelength Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium (Li) | Crimson Red | 670 nm |
| Sodium (Na) | Intense Yellow | 589 nm |
| Potassium (K) | Lilac (Pale Purple) | 766-770 nm |
| Calcium (Ca) | Brick Red | 622 nm |
| Barium (Ba) | Apple Green | 524 nm |
| Copper (Cu) | Blue-Green | 450-540 nm |
| Strontium (Sr) | Crimson Red | 650-700 nm |
| Magnesium (Mg) | Bright White | Multiple wavelengths |
Limitations of Flame Tests
While flame tests are useful, they have some limitations:
- Some elements produce similar colors making it difficult to distinguish them (e.g., strontium and lithium both produce red flames)
- Elements with strong flame colors (like sodium) can mask other elements present
- Not all elements produce visible colors in flame tests
Real-World Applications
Flame tests have practical applications beyond the classroom:
- Fireworks use metal compounds to produce different colors
- Forensic scientists may use flame tests to identify unknown substances
- Astronomers use similar principles to identify elements in stars
Test Your Knowledge
See how much you've learned about flame tests by taking this quiz!
1. What color flame is produced when sodium compounds are tested?
2. Which element produces a blue-green flame?
3. Why do different elements produce different colors in flame tests?
4. Which two elements might be difficult to distinguish using only flame tests?
5. In fireworks, which element would be used to produce a green color?
6. Which element produces a bright white flame that spans multiple wavelengths?
Element Matching Game
Match each element to its correct flame color. Click on an element, then click on the corresponding color.