Another Chemistry question!!! Flame tests.?

Question

This came straight from my post lab questions..

What evidence is there from your results that the characteristic color observed for each compound is due to the metal ion in each case? Describe an additional test that could be done to confirm that the color is due to the metal ion.

Also, which metal ion gives off a yellow flame?


Please help me! T-T

Answer 1

Sodium gives off a yellow flame. The sodium yeloow flame can obscure the faint lilac flame of potassium. So what you do is perform the test again, holding a square of cobalt glass to your eye to observe the flame. The cobalt glass screens out the intense sodium yellow, and you see the lilac flame of potassium loud and clear.

Answer 2

I don't know what happened in your lab, so it's difficult for me to say what it was meant to accomplish. Different colours correspond to different energy levels. Flame tests illustrate an atomic property.The two things you mention. That makes four. I don't know what else your instructor has in mind. Are you meant to include learning the techniques? Did you use a prism or grating to see the different lines? Lots more fun stuff you could write about if you did.