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.
Topic position
Section 7 of 13
Practice
22 questions
Recall
15 flashcards
📖 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.
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Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Flame Tests. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
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.
Quick Recall Flashcards
22 questions on Flame Tests — practise free
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