What are Flame Tests?

Part of Flame Tests · Section 2 of 13

Deep DiveUnit: Chemical AnalysisGCSE

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.

🔥 What are Flame Tests?

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.

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

22 questions on Flame Tests — practise free

Instant marking, adaptive difficulty and spaced-repetition flashcards — all aligned to your exam board.

Start revising free →