Used to identify cations (positive ions). Every element will display a different colour as it depends on how many electrons they have.

Every element will display a different colour as it depends on how their electrons move between different atomic energy giving each one a characteristic colour.

Apparatus

Clean wire loop Bunsen burner

Bench mat Test tube rack

Test Tubes PPE

Method

1. Sterilise the wire loop by passing it through the Bunsen flame

2. Dip the wire loop into the sample

3. Hold the sample in the blue Bunsen burner flame

4. Record your observations in the results table

Results

Sodium = orange flame

Calcium = brick red flame

Potassium = lilac flame

Strantium = red flame

Copper = green flame

Lithium = orange/ red flame