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Flame Tests: Which Ion Causes the Color?
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The purpose of this Activity is to determine which of the ions in a series of ionic compounds (the cation or the anion) is responsible for the colors in a simple flame test. Students will perform flame test experiments using cotton swabs and a Bunsen burner for ten commercially-available ionic compounds. A molecular compound that produces a flame test color is also included. This Activity introduces students to flame test techniques in an inquiry-based manner. Instead of telling students the metal cation in an ionic compound is usually responsible for the flame test colors observed in lab, students are asked to determine whether it is usually the cation or the anion that is responsible for the colors. This Activity is also useful in teaching students the importance of controlling variables and making meaningful comparisons.
Keywords:
High School / Introductory ChemistryKeywords:
Laboratory InstructionKeywords:
JCE Classroom ActivityKeywords:
Student-Centered LearningKeywords:
Atomic Properties / StructureCiting Articles
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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. KuntzlemanJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (8), 790-792Classroom Activity Connections: Demonstrating Various Flame Tests Using Common Household Materials
Bruce W. Baldwin, Scott Hasbrouck, Jordan Smith and Thomas S. KuntzlemanJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (8), 790-792In 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 ...
Inexpensive Alcohol Burners for Flame Tests Using Aluminum Tea Light Candle Holders
Tom Mortier , Annie Wellens and Marie-Josée JanssensJournal of Chemical Education2008 85 (4), 522Inexpensive Alcohol Burners for Flame Tests Using Aluminum Tea Light Candle Holders
Tom Mortier , Annie Wellens and Marie-Josée JanssensJournal of Chemical Education2008 85 (4), 522This article describes an alternative to traditional methanol-based flame tests; this alternative may be a safer demonstration.
The Science Teacher: Spring 2006
Steve LongJournal of Chemical Education2006 83 (6), 830The Science Teacher: Spring 2006
Steve LongJournal of Chemical Education2006 83 (6), 830This article reviews chemistry-related articles published in The Science Teacher between September 2005 and February 2006. Lab safety, inquiry-based activities, flame tests, designing safe lab facilities, interdisciplinary chemistry teaching, ...
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- Received: August 03, 2009
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