2006-09-28 16:48:55 · 8 answers · asked by Erik R 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
A very GOOD question. This is because the specific build of an element causes it to reflect a particular wavelength of light.
2006-09-28 16:58:54 · answer #1 · answered by Ashu 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Colorful Flames
2016-11-11 01:30:04 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Elements in column 1 and 2 and copper produce colored flames because: when the ions are put into a flame the outer electrons get excited and jump to a higher energy level. Then they fall back a particular distance which is a specific wavelength or color of light.They can be identified by these colors.
2006-09-29 09:33:45 · answer #3 · answered by science teacher 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
It's not single elements that produce the colorful flames, but compounds that produce them. Electrons in the those compounds are being excited to higher energy levels, because they are absorbing thermal energy, due to the heat of the flame. The energy they absorb to go up one energy level is expressed as follows:
E = hf
When they go DOWN an energy level, they lose a specific amount of energy, equal to hf, and that energy is emitted as a light. This causes the flame to appear to be a different color. In reality, it's not the flame that's chaning colors, but a colorful light is just being emitted form within the flame, where you dropped the chemical compound. For instance, if you put barium chloride in fire, the fire will appear green.
So to answer your question again, when the electrons lose energy, they emit it in a form of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength that allows it to be visible light.
2006-09-28 16:59:39 · answer #4 · answered by عبد الله (ドラゴン) 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Many of this elements have reactions to the oxygen and Nitrogen that produce the decomposition on the component that is call Molecular Mass that in contact with this gases produce flames
2006-09-28 16:59:05 · answer #5 · answered by Fred 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Colors in general result from either emission of light of specific wavelengths, or absorption of light of specific wavelengths from a mix of photons. At the root of both emission and absorption is the excitement of electrons.
Different temperatures also cause this change in color, as this affects how the emission of the light falls.
2006-09-28 16:58:10 · answer #6 · answered by RedAssassin88 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Different elements absorb different wavelength (different colour).
2006-09-28 16:51:39 · answer #7 · answered by Brian 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
different elements have different chemical compositions. when they burn, due to chemical reaction, they emit different colours.
2006-09-28 16:57:41 · answer #8 · answered by iamgood 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋