The OpenScience Laboratory

A simple demonstration of the characteristic colours produced by metallic salts in flames.

Background and nature of the task
Using a flame test you can identify certain metallic elements by the colour they produce when introduced into a pale flame. In this activity there are 4 training compounds to test and 2 unknowns. The flame colours you see were filmed in the lab but since they are displayed on a computer screen they are no longer true colours, so we have included a simple spectroscope that shows the full colour spectrum of the flame. After entering the activity, turn on the gas, pick up the lighter, light the flame and open the air hole. A user guide within the application gives further instruction.

Duration and pattern of use
This activity should take approximately 1 hour to complete.