Flame Test Laboratory Activity
Name: _______________________________
Date: ________________
Class: ________________
Part 1: Known Compounds Reference
Record the flame color for each of the known compounds below. You will use these observations to identify the unknown samples in Part 2.
| Compound Formula |
Observed Flame Color (Be Specific) |
Part 2: Unknown Identification
Observe the flame color for each unknown sample. Compare it to your reference table above to identify the compound.
| Sample |
Observed Flame Color |
Identified Compound |
Post-Lab Questions
- Why is it important to clean the nichrome wire in hydrochloric acid (HCl) between each test?
- What subatomic particles are responsible for the light emitted during a flame test? Briefly explain how the energy changes cause the light.
- If two unknown samples produce a similar red flame, what is a limitation of relying solely on the flame test for identification?