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Chemical analysisFlame testing

Chemists monitor our environment using a variety of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. The results from quantitative analysis are used in calculations that give essential information.

Part of ChemistryChemistry in society

Flame testing

6 bunsen burners with different coloured flames.

Flame tests are a quick and inexpensive way of detecting some metal ions. They are an example of a since they can identify a specific metal ion in a sample but do not tell us how much of it is present.

To carry out a flame test a wire made from platinum or nichrome is dipped in acid then into the sample. The sample on the wire is then held in a roaring (blue) Bunsen flame and colours are observed.

A bunsen burner and a test tube with a substance in it. Some of the substance is placed in the flame of the bunsen burner, causing it to burn a different colour.

Some metals change the colour of a flame, allowing you to determine what metal it is

Not all metal ions produce a colour in the flame test. The colours of some that do are found in the.

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