Includes background information, procedure for the flame test, and review questions including representative wavelengths associated with the elements. Students will also use a spectrometer to compare the colors seen in the flame with those seen using the instrument.

The ions may be dissolved and the splints soaked in the different solutions to use for the tests, but I usually soak the splints in distilled water and put very small amounts of each ion in test tubes. I have found using the crystals gives much richer color in the flame! At the end, the students always put some of each ion on a splint "to see what happens" and have the opportunity to see that each ion keeps its characteristic color.

This lab is always a favorite!