Flame Tests for SQA Higher Chemistry

This page covers the following topics:

1. Flame emission spectroscopy
2. Ions flame tests
3. Identifying compounds

Flame tests are used to detect and identify ions in samples. Instrumental methods of analysis using flame emission spectroscopy are faster, and more accurate and sensitive than simple flame tests.

The flame test allows us to identify metal ions as the flame will show a certain colour for a certain metal ion.

We can use flame tests and solutions to analyse a range of ionic compounds.

1

A flame test conducted gives the flame shown in the diagram. What metal ion is present?

2

We have 4 samples. We carry out a flame test and it gives a lilac colour. We then add dilute nitric acid and silver nitrate and it gives a yellow precipitate. Which sample is it we have tested?

3

Fill in the gap: Flame tests are used to identify the presence of .... ions in a compound.

Metal

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