Flame Test Lab

Are the bright-line emission spectra different or similar for the metal salts?

The bright-line emission spectra is different for each metal salt because each metal's atom has different energy levels with different spacing. The electrons will never be in the same place and move the same distance.

What happens when electrons are excited?

The energy goes to the electron which give it the ability to jump to the higher energy level. The electron moves faster and further away from the nucleus.

What is the difference between a continuous spectrum and a bright-line emission spectrum?

A continuous spectrum shows all the colors of the rainbow; all of the visible light wavelengths. A bright line emission spectrum shows only the colors that are associated with and emitted from a substance; you don't see all the wavelengths

Which method would be better for you to implement to identify unknown elements present in a substance: using a series of flame tests or analyzing the emission spectra?

Analyzing the emission spectra would be a better method because each element has a unique emission spectrum and using it, you would find the exact element

Why do elements emit different flame colors?

Because each element has a different set of emission colors from the emission spectrum. They have different energy level spacing and when the electrons get excited, they go to different energy levels because of the different spacing.

How are electrons excited in an element?

Elements get excited when they receive energy. When you heat something, the heat gives the atoms in the substance energy.

What do the individual lines in a bright line emission spectrum represent?

They represent the wavelengths of light that is absorbed by the spectrum They represent the energy that the atom gives off when their electrons are in place. They also represent frequency and energy.

What happens when electrons return to their ground state?

energy is released.