What are Flame Tests?

Part of Flame Tests Β· Section 2 of 13

Deep DiveUnit: Chemical AnalysisGCSE

Flame tests are used to identify metal ions by observing the characteristic flame colours they produce when heated in a Bunsen burner flame. Each metal element produces a unique colour because of its specific electron energy level arrangement.

This deep dive covers What are Flame Tests? 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 2 of 13 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Practice questions for Flame Tests

Which type of wire is used to carry out a flame test?

  • A. Nichrome wire
  • B. Copper wire
  • C. Iron wire
  • D. Platinum wire
1 markfoundation

Explain why different metal ions produce different colours in flame tests.

3 marksstandard

Quick recall flashcards

Flame color for sodium ions (Na⁺)?
ORANGE/YELLOW - persistent yellow-orange flame, very intense and bright
What is a flame test?
A test used to identify metal ions by observing the characteristic flame color they produce when heated in a Bunsen burner flame

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