Flame Test Lab
Name: Gillian H.
Partner: Zach S.
Date: September 12-September 16 2014
Purpose: The purpose of this lab was to learn how different chemicals react when heated. We also learned about the visible light spectrum and it showed how to do a basic lab.
Procedure: For this lab we used little glass dishes and our teacher placed a different chemical in them. Then we added methanol and light it with a match and examined the colors the flames were.
Pre Lab Questions:
What color of light is the lowest in energy? The lowest frequency of visible light is red and it has the least amount of energy.
What color of light is the highest energy? The highest frequency of visible light is violet and also has the most energy.
What color of light is the highest frequency? The highest frequency of visible light is violet and also has the most energy.
What color of light is the lowest frequency? The lowest frequency of visible light is red and also has the least energy.
How are electrons "excited"? When the metals get hot due to the heat of the flames it causes electrons in the metal atoms to rise up to higher energy levels. Its not stable until the electrons are at their original energy level or ground state . As it falls it relises the energy as light .
Different metal atoms also have different separations between the excited and ground state or the energy gap". This is what causes them to emit different amounts of energy when the electrons fall from their excited state to the ground state.
If metal has a low or slow energy gap low energy visible light will be let out as the electrons fall back to their ground state.
It is the frequwncues of electromagnetic radictions emitted caused by atoms or molecules transitioning from a high energy state to a lower one.
Here are the table and observation my partner and I made throughout the lab.
Conclusion: This experiment taught me a lot and it was very interesting to see all the different colors caused by different chemicals being burned and how they reacted.
Post Lab:
1. Why do you think the chemicals have to be heated in the flame first before the colored light is emitted?
I think chemicals have to be heated because when the metals get hot due to the heat of the flames it causes electrons in the metal atoms to rise up to higher energy levels. Its not stable until the electrons are at their original energy level or ground state . As it falls it releases the energy as light . different metal atoms also have different separations between the excited and ground state or the energy gap". This is what causes them to emit different amounts of energy when the electrons fall from their excited state to the ground state.
If metal has a low or slow energy gap low energy visible light will be let out as the electrons fall back to their ground state.
2. Most salts contain a metal and a non-metal. What type of bonds usually form between a metal and a non-metal?
Ionic Bonds are the typical bonds that are formed containing metals and non-metals.
3. What is the definition of a salt in chemistry?
A neutralization reaction made using a acid and a base and this resulted in an Ionic compound.
4. What is fire?
Fire is a combustion. This is a type of oxidation which is created by chemically combining Oxygen.
5. What are the chemicals involved in lighting a match?
Here are the different chemicals found in a match:
Head:
Oxidizer : Potassium chlorate
Combustor: Sulfur, rosin, animal glue
Conditione: Glass powder, isinglass, clay powder, etc.
Adhesive
Side of box:
Ignitor: Red phosphorus, antimony sulfide
Adhesive
6. What is a chemical reaction?
A chemical reaction is the rearrangement of the molecules or ionic structure of a substance.
7. What natural cycles does wildfire have an impact on?
One natural cycle that the fire helps is some plant species. These species tend to flourish after a wildfire.
8. List at least three impacts of wildfire in San Diego.
Economical: It casts a lot to fight the fires
Destroys plants that hold mud and dirt on the hills
Destroys homes and businesses