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.

RP

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

contrast covalent and ionic bonding


In the equation 2Na + 2H2O ---> 2NaOH + H2, is Na oxidised or reduced and why?


What is the Bohr electron configuration of Oxygen? And further O2- ?


Why can metals conduct electricity?