Activity: Flame Test
Activity: Flame Test
Grade level 9 - 12
ObjectiveStudents will discover first hand how different elements emit different specific wavelengths of light energy when burned, and that these can be identified when the light is separated with a prism. |
Science and Math Standards
| Content Standard 2: - Mathematics as Communication |
Content Standard B: - Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry - Understandings about scientific inquiry |
| Content Standard 4: - Mathematics as Connections |
Content Standard C: - Structure of Atoms - Interactions of energy and matter |
| Content Standard 8: Geometry from an algebraic perspective |
Content Standard G: - Nature of Scientific Knowledge - Historical Perspectives |
Prequisites
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Math Students should have had some Pre-Algebra,
especially in the areas of manipulation of formulas and pattern recognition.
Science Students should have had an introduction to the electromagnetic spectrum, the concept of a spectrum and how atoms emit light energy.
IntroductionRecalling the characteristics of both atoms and light, the flame test is a great way to physically demonstrate some of the more abstract ideas discussed in the background sections on Atoms and Light Energy and Spectroscopy. |
Exploration
The students will work in lab groups of three to four students to construct meaning on the causes of various light emissions from the following 0.5M chemical solutions: LiCl, NaCl, CuCl, BaCl, CsCl, and CaCl. To prepare for the Flame Test, each 0.5M solution should be placed in a test tube by itself. Each of the six test tubes should then be placed at the various laboratory stations 1 through 6. The students will rotate to each station to test the solution.
Materials
Hand out the student worksheet. Have the students answer the thought questions at the end of Part I in groups, but on paper. They should be utilized to facilitate a meaningful discussion on light emission. Afterwards, the students should complete the questions in Part II individually. They may be assigned for homework if there is not enough class time.
Evaluation
Formative assessment and observation should be evident throughout the lesson. The worksheet, final questions during closure or a future quiz may serve as summative assessment.
Closure
Have students take three minutes to write in their own words why different elements produce flames of different colors when burned. How is this quality useful in astronomy?
Reference URL
Flame Testhttp://www.creative-chemistry.org.uk/activities/flametests.htm
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