We performed the Flame Test in Chemistry Class. We used the following materials: bunsen burner, 4 different salts (Potassium Nitrate, Sodium Nitrate, Barium Nitrate, Strontium Nitrate), magnesium ribbon, and hydrochloric acid. We would dip the magnesium ribbons in the hydrocholoric acid, and stick some salts to the magnesium, and hold it against the flame from the bunsen burner. The salts would react with the magnesium and produce different colored flames.




1.Barium Nitrate














The Barium Nitrate, when we performed the flame test, produced a yellowish green flame.

The picture on the right shows the flame color we get when the flame test is done under professional conditions.





2. Strontium Nitrate


















When we performed the flame test on the Strontium Nitrate, it produced a red flame. The camera was not so good, so it looks orange with the light, but you can see that the top part is red.
The picture on the right shows what the flame should look like if the experiment is done properly in the dark.





3.Potassium Nitrate


















When we performed the flame test on the Potassium Nitrate, it produced a pinkish purple flame. The camera again, was not able to clearly show the color of the flame. (we were also next to the window)


However, the picture on the right shows what the flame should look like if the experiment were to succeed and a good picture of it was captured.

4.Sodium Nitrate

When we performed the flame test on the Sodium Niterate, the flame turned orange.



The right picture is when the flame test on the Sodium Nitrate is done professionally under professional conditions.





The flame test can be applied in many ways. We can use the flame test to identify substances by their color.
Also, because the salts produce different colors, these salts are also used in fireworks.