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A dramatic flame test demonstration

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Kristin A. Johnson and Rodney Schreiner

Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706

J. Chem. Educ., 2001, 78 (5), p 640

DOI: 10.1021/ed078p640

Publication Date (Web): May 1, 2001

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

<p>A dramatic ball of colored fire appears when a salt/methanol mixture is sprayed into the flame of a Meker burner. The colored fireball is highly visible, even in large lecture halls. Although the fireball has a short duration, it can easily be recreated by repeated spraying of the salt/methanol mixture into the burner. The equipment for these striking flame tests is easy to prepare and store.</p>

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Domain):

Demonstrations

Keywords (Feature):

Tested Demonstrations

Keywords (Subject):

Atomic Properties / Structure

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This article has been cited by 3 ACS Journal articles (3 most recent appear below).

Classroom Activity Connections: Demonstrating Various Flame Tests Using Common Household Materials
Bruce W. Baldwin, Scott Hasbrouck, Jordan Smith and Thomas S. Kuntzleman
Journal of Chemical Education2010 87 (8), 790-792
- Classroom Activity Connections: Demonstrating Various Flame Tests Using Common Household Materials
  Bruce W. Baldwin, Scott Hasbrouck, Jordan Smith and Thomas S. Kuntzleman
  Journal of Chemical Education2010 87 (8), 790-792
  In JCE Activity #67, “Flame Tests: Which Ion Causes the Color?”, Michael Sanger describes how to conduct flame tests with household items. We have used this activity in outreach settings, and have extended it in a variety of ways. For example, we have ...
  Abstract | Full Text HTML | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
The Chemical Wizardry of J. K. Rowling
Jane Snell Copes
Journal of Chemical Education2006 83 (10), 1479
- The Chemical Wizardry of J. K. Rowling
  Jane Snell Copes
  Journal of Chemical Education2006 83 (10), 1479
  J. K. Rowling's series of Harry Potter books has captured the imaginations of millions of readers worldwide. Many of the chemical special effects that take place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry can be simulated and understood by non-magical ...
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Simple Flame Test Techniques Using Cotton Swabs
Michael J. Sanger and Amy J. Phelps , Catherine Banks
Journal of Chemical Education2004 81 (7), 969
- Simple Flame Test Techniques Using Cotton Swabs
  Michael J. Sanger and Amy J. Phelps , Catherine Banks
  Journal of Chemical Education2004 81 (7), 969
  This article describes three new methods for performing simple flame tests using cotton swabs. The first method uses a Bunsen burner and solid metal salts; the second method uses a Bunsen burner and 1 M aqueous solutions of metal salts; and the third ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links