How would you carry out a flame test and what colours would Li+, Na+, K+ and Ca2+ ions form?

Use a clean platinum wire loop. To clean the loop, dip in dilute HCl and hold in flame until the flame burns without any colour. Then dip clean loop into samples. Li+ turns the flame red, Na+ yellow\orange flame, K+ lilac flame and Ca2+ brick red flame.

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Answered by Rosie P. Chemistry tutor

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