Flame Emission Spectroscopy

How does the flame emission spectrum give a line spectrum?

A sample is placed in a flame so electrons move to higher energy levels

when they drop back, they release energy as light

light passes through spectroscope which detects different wavelengths to produce a line spectrum

What does the combination of wavelengths depend on?

charge and electron arrangement

What does the intensity of the line indicate?

concentration of ions

Why are flame emission tests useful?

can be used identify ions in a mixture

Advantages of instrumental analysis (machines)

very sensitive

very fast and automated

very accurate