Flame Tests

Aim: To identify various elements using the flame test.

Materials: 5 x paperclips, Bunsen burner, tongs, small beaker, chloride salts (small amount): sodium
chloride copper chloride potassium chloride barium chloride calcium chloride, watch glass

Method:
1. Obtain a tiny sample of one of the chemicals.
2. Fill a clean beaker with water.
3. Dip one end of the paperclip into the water, then into the chemical so some of the chemical
sticks to the paperclip.
4. Set the Bunsen burner to a blue flame.
5. Using tongs, place the end of the paperclip containing the chemical into the flame and
observe the colour produced.
6. Rinse the beaker and fill it with clean water if you get any chemicals into it. Get a new
paperclip.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 for the other chemicals.
Identify the independent, dependent and 2 controlled variables.

Independent

Dependent

Controls

Observations and Results:

Chemical compound Colour of the flame Element which gives the
colour
Sodium chloride
Copper chloride
Potassium chloride
Barium chloride
Calcium chloride

Describe how flame tests can be used to identify elements in a compound.

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