flame spectrascopy
Lab Report
Flame Spectroscopy: Applying a Quantum Leap
Answer the following questions about the results of this activity. Record your answers in the boxes.
Send your completed lab report to your instructor. Don’t forget to save your lab report to your computer!
Lab Activity 1
Sample
Number of Bands
Colors Present
Cesium Calibration
Standard
18
Violet, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red
Cesium Spectrum from Chart
13
Violet, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red
1. Is the flame spectrum from the Cesium Calibration Standard similar to or different from the spectrum from the Sample Metals Spectrum Chart?
2. What color would you expect cesium to be, based on the spectral data? What would you have to know to determine this?
Lab Activity 2
Record the number and color of the flame spectra bands for each water sample. Use the Flame Spectra Chart and Symbol table below to identify the elements (metals) in the different water samples.
Symbol
Name
Cd
Cadmium
Li
Lithium
Na
Sodium
K
Potassium
Rb
Rubidium
Cs
Cesium
Hg
Mercury
Ne
Neon
Sample
Number of
Bands
Colors Present in Spectrum
Probable Elements
In Sample
Spring Water Sample
8
Violet, Green, Yellow, Red
Sodium, Potassium
Bottled Water Sample
2
Yellow
Potassium
Mineral Water Sample
10
Violet, Green, Yellow, Red
Potassium
Pure or Distilled Water
Sample
0
None
None
3. List the probable metals in each of the water samples.
4. Use the web to determine the safety of the spring water sample. Explain if a particular component of the water could be hazardous for consumption.
5. Compare the bottled water sample to the pure or distilled water sample. What would explain any differences in the metal content?
6. Explain if the mineral water sample likely meets its claim as a
Flame Spectroscopy: Applying a Quantum Leap
Answer the following questions about the results of this activity. Record your answers in the boxes.
Send your completed lab report to your instructor. Don’t forget to save your lab report to your computer!
Lab Activity 1
Sample
Number of Bands
Colors Present
Cesium Calibration
Standard
18
Violet, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red
Cesium Spectrum from Chart
13
Violet, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red
1. Is the flame spectrum from the Cesium Calibration Standard similar to or different from the spectrum from the Sample Metals Spectrum Chart?
2. What color would you expect cesium to be, based on the spectral data? What would you have to know to determine this?
Lab Activity 2
Record the number and color of the flame spectra bands for each water sample. Use the Flame Spectra Chart and Symbol table below to identify the elements (metals) in the different water samples.
Symbol
Name
Cd
Cadmium
Li
Lithium
Na
Sodium
K
Potassium
Rb
Rubidium
Cs
Cesium
Hg
Mercury
Ne
Neon
Sample
Number of
Bands
Colors Present in Spectrum
Probable Elements
In Sample
Spring Water Sample
8
Violet, Green, Yellow, Red
Sodium, Potassium
Bottled Water Sample
2
Yellow
Potassium
Mineral Water Sample
10
Violet, Green, Yellow, Red
Potassium
Pure or Distilled Water
Sample
0
None
None
3. List the probable metals in each of the water samples.
4. Use the web to determine the safety of the spring water sample. Explain if a particular component of the water could be hazardous for consumption.
5. Compare the bottled water sample to the pure or distilled water sample. What would explain any differences in the metal content?
6. Explain if the mineral water sample likely meets its claim as a