Tests for positive ions

Tests for positive ions

Flame tests identify metal ions

Compounds of some metals burn with a characteristic colour, you can test for various metal ions by putting your substance in a flame and seeing what colour the flame goes:

Lithium gives a crimson flame

Sodium gives a yellow flame

Potassium gives a purple flame

Calcium gives a red flame

Barium gives a green flame

2) To flame test a compound in the lab, dip a clean wire loop into a sample of the compound, and put the wire loop in the clear blue part of th…