Flame Test Lab
8th Grade Science
Mrs. Dainty
Review
 Can we define the following terms?
 Atom
 Element
 Metal
 Compound
 Bunsen Burner
 Physical Characteristic
 Chemical Characteristic
 Energy Levels
 Light
Background
 When certain metal compounds, or metal salts, are
heated, their electrons enter an excited state.
 In this excited state, electrons move from lower energy
levels to higher energy levels.
 This excited state is unstable, so the electrons quickly
return to their lower energy levels. When this happens,
the lose energy in the form of LIGHT.
 When this light is in the visible range, we can see it.
(Remember Roy G. Biv!)
Background
 Flame tests can be conducted to determine the identity of
unknown elements.
 Certain elements give off known colors of light. These can
be compared with the color of light given off by an
unknown substance.
Your Job:
 Your mission is to discover what metal elements are
present in a dehydrated banana by conducting a flame
test.
 First, you will discover the colors given off by:
 Calcium Chloride
 Copper Chloride
 Lithium Chloride
 Potassium Chloride
 Sodium Chloride
 Strontium Chloride
 Then, you will test a banana to see if any color change
occurs in the flame. Compare these results to the known
elements to draw conclusions about what’s in the banana!
Limitations
 The flame test may not detect atoms that are present in
low concentrations.
 The flame test cannot distinguish between ALL elements.
(Some elements create the same color. Some elements
don’t create a visible change in the flame color at all.)
 Impurities and contaminates can affect your results.
Science Notebook
 In your notebook, write a title and date for this lab.
 Next, write the question we’re investigating in your own
words. Your questions should make it very clear what we
are trying to learn, and should identify any variables being
tested.
 Finally, make a prediction. (I think that…because…)
Demonstration
 Flame test demonstration:
 1st time – watch and listen
 2nd time – write a materials list and procedures
Safety Considerations
 Utmost care must be taken during this lab. Absolutely no goofing
around will be tolerated.
 Minimize movement around the room, as well as talking with your
hands! (Materials Manger only one to walk around to get supplies.)
 Goggles, gloves, and lab coats are to be worn.
 Long hair must be tied back.
 Know locations of emergency equipments: eye wash, shower, fire
blanket, fire extinguishers, etc.
 Voices should be kept low.
 In case of emergency, the FIRST thing you do is to find your teacher!
 Follow instructions for disposal of chemicals.
Science Notebook
 Once you have written down the materials and
procedures, develop a table in your results section.
 You must have your table ready before you can begin the
lab.
 Chemicals you’ll test:
 Calcium Chloride
 Copper Chloride
 Lithium Chloride
 Potassium Chloride
 Sodium Chloride
 Strontium Chloride
 Unknown (Banana)
Lab Day
Lab Groups:
 Get goggles, gloves, and lab
coats.
 Place books at tables near
sinks. Bring ONLY lab
notebooks to work station at
counter.
 Go to your designated lab
station. Clear away unneeded
materials. Designate group
roles. (If only 3, share
spokesperson responsibilities.)
 Wait for permission to
begin.
Non-Lab Groups:
 Get goggles.
 Choose a place to sit near the
windows. DO NOT SIT BY
ANYONE WHO WILL TEMPT
YOU TO GOOF OFF. My
attention needs to mainly be
with lab groups and I will have
little patience for goofing
around today!
 Work: Ch. 3, Lesson 4
 If finished, can take turns
“building an element.”
(Further instructions to come.)