answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

When an electron jumps from an energy level that is farther away from the nucleus to an energy level that is closer to the nucleus the electron gives off energy. When doing a flame test this energy is in the form of a color change. One can identify the change based off of the color.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

5mo ago

The flame test is used to identify metallic ions based on the unique color they emit when heated in a flame. Each metal ion produces a characteristic color due to the electrons transitioning between energy levels in the atoms. This can be used to determine the presence of specific metals in a compound.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

The metals are heated over a flame. The energy they absorb excites the electrons. Only energy with certain wavelengths (colors) are absorbed. These wavelengths equal to the energy difference between the energy levels or "shells" in the atoms. The result is observed colors. For sodium it is yellow, for potassium it is lilac and barium it is red to mention some.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

Many metal ions produce characteristic colors when exposed to various parts of a flame - including a Bunsen flame.

Addition/Edit: When heat is applied to metals [or any element], the electrons moves from one energy level to another and/or reacts to the flame. This reaction will determine the characteristic of the element.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

The heat of the flame excites the metals ions, causing them to emit visible light. The characteristic emission spectra can be used to differentiate between some elements.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

An electron returning from a higher energy state to a lower energy state emits a specific amount of energy.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why is the flame test for metallic ions?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What difficulties may be encountered in the use of the flame test for identification of metallic ion?

One difficulty in using the flame test for identification of metallic ions is the presence of multiple ions in a sample, leading to overlapping flame colors. Additionally, the flame color produced can be affected by the presence of impurities or contaminants. The flame test may also not be sensitive enough to detect low concentrations of certain metallic ions. Proper calibration and standardization of the test are crucial to minimize these difficulties.


Is flame coloration a test for the metallic ion or for the nitrate ion?

Flame coloration is a test for the metallic ion. When a metallic ion is heated in a flame, it absorbs energy and then emits light at specific wavelengths, producing characteristic colors. The nitrate ion itself does not directly contribute to the color of the flame test.


How do you test for potassium ions?

Flame test


What is going on inside atoms of a metal when a metallic salt of that metal is dissolved in water and then placed in a hot flame?

When a metallic salt is dissolved in water, the metal ions present in the salt become hydrated and surrounded by water molecules. When this solution is placed in a hot flame, the water evaporates due to the heat, leaving behind the metal ions. The metal ions then absorb the energy from the flame and get excited, leading to the emission of characteristic colors in the flame test.


What color does chloride ion produce in flame test?

Chloride ions do not produce a characteristic color in a flame test. Instead, they tend to suppress the colors produced by other ions in the flame test.


What is the flame test for aluminum?

When aluminum is subjected to a flame test, it does not produce a distinct color flame. This is because aluminum does not have any characteristic flame color associated with it, unlike other elements that produce specific colors when heated.


What ion gives a bright yellow-orange flame test?

Sodium ions give a bright yellow flame color during a flame test.


What is the flame test color of distilled water?

Distilled water does not produce a flame test color because it does not contain any significant amount of metal ions that are responsible for producing colored flames. The flame test is typically used to detect the presence of metal ions in a sample.


What color flame test does sodium chloride give?

Sodium chloride does not impart a distinct color to a flame test. When sodium chloride is subjected to a flame test, it typically results in a bright yellow flame due to the presence of sodium ions, rather than the chloride ions.


What color does sodium hydroxide burn in a flame test?

Bright yellow :: This is the sodium ions. Any sodium compound will give a flame test colour of yellow/


How does a flame test indicate that ionic substances contain metal ions?

It is primarily used to indicate the presence of metallic ions since metals readily tend to lose electrons and therefore have electrons in the valence orbitals which can transition from one energy level to another.


What is the test for zinc ions?

A common test for zinc ions is to add sodium hydroxide solution to the sample. A white precipitate of zinc hydroxide forms. Additionally, zinc ions can also be detected using a flame test, where a blue-green flame color indicates the presence of zinc.