Question

What is a flame test used for?

Answer 1

Identifying Ions

Explanation:

When an Ion gets heated it gains energy. The Ion of `Na^(+1)` has an orange glow in a flame. The Ion of `K^(+1` has a lavender glow. By using a flame test a chemist could identify whether he has a `NaCl` or if he has `KCl`. The color of some flame tests may vary slightly depending on the temperature of the flame being used.

Here are some videos of flame tests-

1. Using solutions of dissolved metal chloride salts.
   

2. Using solid metal chloride salt samples.
   

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Flame test can also be used to check the which gas either oxygen or hydrogen is being released from the solution.Oxygen relights a glowing splint and hydrogen burns in a flame with a pop sound.