Identifying cations with a flame test

Principle

Most of the metallic salts produce colourful flames in different wavelengths. The flame coloration is characteristic for metallic cations and can therefore be used to identify the latter. During this experiments, the students introduce samples of alcali metal, alcali earth metal and copper salts to a colourless flame with the aid of magnesia sticks. The students will collect their observations in a table and compare the results in hindsight.

Benefits

• Experiment literature available for pupils and teachers: Minimum preparation time
• Simple teaching and efficient learning by using the available interactive experiment literature