Rainbow of Colors -- The Flame Test Lab

Summary

Students will conduct a lab and be able to explain the difference between a line spectrum and a continuous spectrum in terms of how they appear through a diffraction grating. They will also explain why different atoms emit different atomic line spectra and how this relates to the movement of electrons between energy levels in an atom.

Materials

• student sheet (attached)
• spectroscopes
• well plates
• pipettes
• cotton swabs
• Bunsen burners
• beakers
• water
• chemicals
  • H2O
  • LiNO3
  • Cu(NO3)2
  • K NO3
  • Na NO3
  • Sr(NO3) 2
  • Ba(NO3) 2

Instructional Procedures

1. Pass out student sheets attached.
2. Explain the objectives and lead students through the pre-lab questions.
3. Allow the pairs to work through the lab using the detailed instructions on their student sheet.

Bibliography

Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff.