This definitions covers Key Definitions within Flame Tests for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Flame Tests in Chemical Analysis for GCSE Chemistry with 22 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 7 of 13 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
📖 Key Definitions
Flame test: A qualitative analytical test in which a sample is placed in a hot flame and the characteristic colour of light emitted is used to identify which metal cation (positive ion) is present.
Electron excitation: The process in which electrons absorb energy and move to a higher energy level, away from the nucleus.
Electron emission: When excited electrons return to their ground state (lower energy level), releasing energy in the form of light.
Characteristic colour: The specific wavelength of light emitted by a particular element, unique to that element's electron energy level structure.
Contamination: The presence of unwanted metal ions on the nichrome wire that can give false colour results if the wire is not properly cleaned between tests.
Practice questions for Flame Tests
Which type of wire is used to carry out a flame test?
Explain why different metal ions produce different colours in flame tests.