Name:_____________________________ Year & Sec.:____________ Score:___________
Teacher:___________________________ Date:___________________ Rating:__________
Activity 1
The Flame Test
Objectives:
a. determine the characteristic colors that metal salts emit; and
b. relate the colors emitted by metal salts to the structure of the atom.
Materials:
0.50 grams of each of the following metal salts:
Calcium chloride 6 pcs watch glass
Sodium chloride 1 pc 10-ml graduated cylinder
Copper(II) sulfate 1 pc dropper
Potassium chloride safety matches
Boric acid
100 mL 95% Ethanol (or ethyl alcohol)
100 mL 3 M hydrochloric acid
Procedure:
1. Place each metal salt on a watch glass and add 2 to 3 drops of 3 M
hydrochloric acid.
2. Pour about 3 - 5 mL or enough ethyl alcohol to cover the size of a 1 peso-coin
in the first watch glass. Light with a match and observe the color of the flame.
(This will serve as reference for comparison of the flame color). Wait for
the flame to be extinguished or put out on its own.
3. Repeat procedure No. 2 for each salt. Observe the color of the flame.