Science, Tech, Math › Science How to Do the Flame Test Print Connor Lee Science Chemistry Projects & Experiments Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on August 16, 2019 You can use a flame test to help identify the composition of a sample. The test is used to identify metal ions (and certain other ions) based on the characteristic emission spectrum of the elements. The test is performed by dipping a wire or wooden splint into a sample solution or coating it with the powdered metal salt. The color of a gas flame is observed as the sample is heated. If a wooden splint is used, it's necessary to wave the sample through the flame to avoid setting the wood on fire. The color of the flame is compared against the flame colors known to be associated with the metals. If a wire is used, it is cleaned between tests by dipping it in hydrochloric acid, followed by a rinse in distilled water. Flame Colors of Metals Read More How to Do Flame Tests for Qualitative Analysis By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. magenta: lithiumlilac: potassiumazure blue: seleniumblue: arsenic, cesium, copper(I), indium, leadblue-green: copper(II) halide, zincpale blue-green: phosphorusgreen: copper(II) non-halide, thalliumbright green: boronpale to apple green: bariumpale green: antimony, telluriumyellowish-green: manganese(II), molybdenumintense yellow: sodiumgold: ironorange to red: calciumred: rubidiumcrimson: strontiumbright white: magnesium Notes about the Flame Test The flame test is easy to perform and does not require special equipment, but there are drawbacks to using the test. The test is intended to help identify a pure sample; any impurities from other metals will affect the results. Sodium is a common contaminant of many metal compounds, plus it burns brightly enough that it can mask the colors of other components of a sample. Sometimes the test is performed by viewing the flame through blue cobalt glass to strip the yellow color from the flame. The flame test generally can't be used to detect low concentrations of metal in a sample. Some metals produce similar emission spectra (for example, it may be difficult to distinguish between the green flame from thallium and the bright green flame from boron). The test cannot be used to distinguish between all metals, so while it has some value as a qualitative analytical technique, it must be used in conjunction with other methods to identify a sample. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "How to Do the Flame Test." ThoughtCo, Aug. 25, 2020, thoughtco.com/how-to-do-the-flame-test-3976094. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 25). How to Do the Flame Test. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-do-the-flame-test-3976094 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "How to Do the Flame Test." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-do-the-flame-test-3976094 (accessed April 24, 2024). copy citation