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Flame Test

Identify the presence of metal ions through their characteristic flame colors
Click the air slot control to switch flame types.

Experimental Procedure

Wire Preparation Required

  1. 1
    Clean the Nichrome / Platinum wire with concentrated hydrochloric acid.
  2. 2
    Open the Bunsen burner's air slot to get a non-luminous flame, then heat the wire until colorless.
  3. 3
    Dip the clean wire into the metal sample.
  4. 4
    Place the wire tip just above the inner blue cone of the flame.
  5. 5
    Observe and compare the characteristic flame color.

Select Metal Ion

Safety Guide

  • Wear safety goggles and gloves throughout the experiment.
  • Concentrated HCl is corrosive; avoid contact with skin and eyes.
  • Use a small amount of chemical to avoid splattering.
  • Keep hair and loose clothing away from the flame.
  • The metal wire is very hot after heating; do not touch it directly.
  • Heat the wire gently and never point the flame at others.

HKDSE Tip

  • Luminous flame:
    Never use a yellow, sooty luminous flame (air slot closed) to do the test, as the flame's own color will interfere with your results.
  • Acid used:
    Never use sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) or nitric acid (HNO₃) to clean the wire; you must use concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl).
  • Sodium contamination:
    Because sodium is ubiquitous, a tiny trace can produce a strong yellow flame that completely masks the colors of other ions. Always clean the wire until the flame is invisible/blue before testing.
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