10th Grade Physical Science Core Labs

Links:

Purpose:
Observation of characteristic flame colors for metallic ions and make a hypothesis based on previous observations.

Summary:
Students will use a spectroscope to examine emission lines associated with electrical and thermal excitation. In addition, they will have to identify the components of an unknown mixture of salts by a flame emission test.

Objectives Links:
4: C. Elements

Process Skills Checklist

Materials:

• Student spectroscope
• Ring stand and ring clamp
• Low wattage incandescent light source
• Fluorescent light source
• High-voltage power supply and emission tubes (He, H, Hg, N, O, Ne)
• Safety goggles
• Lab apron
• Burner
• 6 nichrome wire loops
• Salt solutions (BaCl₂, CaCl₂, LiCl, NaCl, SrCl₂)

Safety Concerns:
Fire Hazard, Apron and Goggles MUST be worn, use caution when handling poisonous salts, especially barium chloride.

Revision Date:
November 2001