Purpose:  The purpose of this experiment is to identify an unknown element based on the flame color of the known metal cations.

Hypothesis: If the flame color of the metallic elements are observed, then the identity of the unknown can be determined because each element emits a different spectrum (flame color).

Variables:

Independent:  The type of metallic cation (element)

Dependent:  The flame color

Control: The atomic emission spectrum of that element

Materials: metal cations, nichrome wire, bunsen burner, tongs, watch glass, lighter

Safety:  Wear safety goggles and tie back long hair when working with an open flame.

Summary of Procedure:

1. Dip the clean wire loop into a sample of metal salt and heat the sample in the burner flame. Record the color of the flame in Data Table 1. Test the remaining samples, cleaning the wire loop as described in Step 2, before each new sample is tested. Record your observations.

2.  Perform a flame test on your unknown salt. Record your observations.

3.  Dispose of the unused portions of your samples as directed by your teacher.