Flame Test Simulation presented by Integrated Science Club and Chemistry Club
Metal exists all around us. However, do you know that some specific metal burns in different color under heating?
We Integrated Science Club collaborated with Chemistry Club created this Flame Test Simulation for students to observe common metals that produce special flame under heating.
Disclaimer
The color presented here is not accurate. It is rather an approximation for everyone to understand and learn about reaction of metal under heating.
Different metals have different structure and electron arrangement. These are the main factors affecting the properties of the metal.
The idea of the test is that sample atoms evaporate and since they are hot, they emit light when being in flame.
Not at all! You only need a pair of safety glasses, bunsen burner, fireproof mat, tongs and the sample metal.
Please conduct the experiment under an adult supervisor. Also check the gas tube before igniting the bunsen burner.
In short, electrons of mercury (Hg) are too near the nucleus, and too fast or too unpredictable to move that they cannot be contained in a strong bond, i.e. solids.
This concept of weak bonding makes a good explanation of mercury, being a liquid at room temperature.
The sample metal reacts with oxygen to form metal oxide through heating.
Nope. Only metals that are relatively reactive, for example Potassium will produce Potassium Oxide after heating. Metals like gold will have no observable change.
Wikipedia:
Hope you learnt something new from this "experiment"! Chemistry is an interesting subject, so consider selecting it as one of your selective subject in the future!
Integrated Science Club Social Media: Chemistry Club Social Media:
Website created by Integrated Science Club committee.
Should you have any enquiries, feel free to contact any of our committee members, or sending an email to sy10236@syss.edu.hk 2022-23 Integrated Science Club
