What is Iron flame test

Define

A flame test is a qualitative analysis used by the chemist to identify the metal and metalloid ions in the sample. Not all metal ions emit color when heated in a gas burner. A flame test is the simplest way of identifying group 1 metal ions in the compound. There are plenty of reliable techniques for other metals, but a flame test will give a better hint on where to look. The exact sizes of the possible jumps in energy terms vary from one metal to another. That means that each metal will have a different pattern of spectral lines and, therefore, a different flame color. Flame colors are produced from the movement of the electrons in the metal ions present in the compounds.

How to Do the Flame Test

There are several ways of performing the flame test.

Dissolve the sample in water or another solvent, soak a wooden splint in the liquid, and let it dry.

Dip a Nichrome wire into a solid or liquid sample.

Make a paste of a solid sample with hydrochloric acid (HCl) and dip a splint or wire into the paste.

Dip a cotton swab into the sample. (This method is prone to sodium contamination.)

Dissolve the sample in a small amount of methanol. Dip a small quantity of melamine sponge (e.g., Magic Eraser) into the sample.

Options for the flame include a candle flame, Bunsen burner flame, or gas flame.

You dip a wire or splint into a solid sample or solution and expose the sample to a colorless flame. Viewing the results through a cobalt blue glass filters out excess yellow and makes identification easier. Once you have a color, compare it to a table of flame test colors.

Iron flame test.

The positive result of a flame test for iron (Fe) produces a golden color. This is due to the excitation of electrons in the sample by the flame's heat. As these electrons lose their energy, they emit photons of golden light. The color of the flame is different for different elements and can be used to identify unknown substances. The color here indicates that the sample contains iron.

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