Flame Tests and Emission Spectroscopy
In this activity, students observe the color emitted when various metallic elements are heated in a flame. They then view the flame through a spectroscope and observe the spectral lines of the emission spectra of each of these elements.
Details at a Glance
- 1-2 Days | 1-2 ~50 minute class periods
- 1 Activity
- Accommodates 1 class, with 12 groups of 3 students
- Consumables service 36 students
- Includes digital resources
Scientific Concepts
•Energy, in the form of light, is emitted when an excited electron of an element falls back to its original lower energy state.
•The color of light is related to the energy carried by that light.
•Elements emit light with a characteristic color when heated in a flame.
•Each element has a unique set of electrons and thus each element emits light with a unique set of spectral lines.
•The spectral lines of the emission spectra of elements can be observed using a spectroscope.
KEY VOCABULARY: electron, element, emission, spectra, spectral line
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Full downloadable Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Downloadable Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis questions
- All materials necessary to carry out the investigation
- Safety Data Sheets
Kit Components
- 1 Teacher’s Guide with MSDS
- 30 Student Worksheets and Guides
- 12 Spectroscopes, LAB-AIDS®
- 2 Barium chloride Solution, Spray bottle
- 2 Calcium chloride Solution, Spray bottle
- 2 Lithium chloride Solution, Spray bottle
- 2 Potassium chloride Solution, Spray bottle
- 2 Sodium chloride Solution, Spray bottle
- 2 Strontium chloride Solution, Spray bottle
- Not included and needed for instruction: At least 6 (preferably 12) Bunsen burners, eyewear.
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