Question

A teacher performs a flame test lab experiment for various compounds. During the lab, the teacher mislabels one of the solutions. She needs to identify the unknown sample. Explain how the teacher can identify the unknown sample.

Answer 1

Answer: By performing the flame test

Explanation:

The flame test can be performed by the teacher to visually identify the substance in the solution. The metals give a characteristic color on burning. The heat of the flame causes the excitation of the electrons present in the metal ions this leads to release of energy along with the emission of visible wavelength of light. This visible light can be observed by human eye. For example, the copper produces the blue color in flame, barium gives green flame, and sodium gives yellow flame.