Activity 1: The Flame Test

Group #:
Leader:
Members:

Objectives:

 Determine the characteristic colors that metal salt emit; and

 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 6pcs watch glass
Sodium chloride 1pc 10ml graduated cylinder
Copper (II) sulfate 1pc dropper
Potassium chloride safety matches
Boric acid
100ml 95% ethanol (or ethyl alcohol)
100ml 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 3-5ml 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.

4. Write your observation to the table below.

Table 1: Color of Flame Metal Salts

Metal salt tested Element producing color Color of the flame

Boric acid Boron
Calcium chloride Calcium
Sodium chloride Sodium
Potassium chloride Potassium
Copper (II) sulfate copper