A test where a chemical put into a flame produces a characteristic colour (tests for metal ions).

An instrument that separates light into its component wavelengths.

An ion is an atom or group of atoms with a positive or negative charge due to the loss or gain of electrons.

The amount of a solute dissolved in a certain volume of solvent.

A graph used to determine the concentration of a substance in a sample.

Instrumental analysis and flame tests: red for lithium

Chemistry

In the Groups of the Periodic Table unit, pupils learned about the properties and reactivity of elements in the same group.

This unit covers tests to identify aqueous cations and anions, including flame tests for metal ions like lithium, sodium, and copper. It explains the benefits of instrumental analysis, such as sensitivity and accuracy, and focuses on interpreting results from charts, tables, and spectroscopy data.

Chemical analysis

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

to identify metal ions by the colour of the flame

to avoid contamination from previous tests

Why is it important to clean the wire loop before conducting a flame test?

What flame colour does potassium produce?

They lose energy and stay at the same level.

What happens to electrons in metal ions when they absorb energy from the flame?

due to different electron arrangements in each metal ion

the flame temperature changes for each metal

the test uses different flames for each metal

Why do different metal ions produce different flame colours?

What is emitted when electrons in metal ions return to their ground state after excitation?

Which of the following particles are **not** found in the nucleus of an atom?

What charge does an ion have if it has gained electrons?

Which part of the atom is involved in chemical bonding?

Which of the following is a general property of metals?

Where are metals generally located on the periodic table?

an atom that has lost or gained electrons  

an atom with more protons than neutrons  

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - chemicals

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz