Flame Emission Spectroscopy

Flame emission spectroscopy - AQA GCSE Chemistry 8462

• Used to analyse samples for metal ions

How it works

1. The sample is heated in a flame

2. The thermal energy provided excites electrons in the metal ions. This makes them jump into higher energy levels or electron shells.

3. When they fall back into the lower shells, they release light energy

4. The wavelengths of light emitted are analysed instrumentally to identify the metal ions

5. This is similar to the flame tests to identify positive metal ions in compounds with a bunsen burner (lithium ions produce a red flame, potassium ions produce a lilac flame, etc.)

The spectrometer

• Measures the wavelengths of light emitted when the electrons fall down the…