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