Innovating Science® A Safer Flame Test

A metal identification lab.

The flame test is an analytical technique often used for the identification of certain elements, primarily metal ions. In this activity, a safer method is employed, using special mineral-salt containing candles that significantly reduce the amount of alcohol required to perform the flame test experiment. Students will identify specific metal ions by comparing the emission spectra for each metal to a set of known spectra and then, based on their findings, identify a metal ion in an unknown sample. As part of this activity students will correctly identify the element emitting the colored flame by its spectra, qualitatively identify possible metals from the color of the flame being emitted, explain the process that caused the flame to change color and understand the definition of a chemical reaction.