A metal identification lab.
- Hands-on activity that allows students to identify different metal ions safely
- Aligned to NGSS Practices
- Performance expectations: MS-PS1-1,2,5; HS-PS1-1,2,7
- Disciplinary core ideas: PS1.A, PS1,B
- Crosscutting concepts: Patterns; scale, proportion, and quantity; energy and matter
- Engineering Practices: Developing and using models, analyzing and interpreting data
The flame test is an analytical technique often used for the identification of certain elements, primarily metal ions. In this activity, a safer method is employed, using special mineral-salt containing candles that significantly reduce the amount of alcohol required to perform the flame test experiment. Students will identify specific metal ions by comparing the emission spectra for each metal to a set of known spectra and then, based on their findings, identify a metal ion in an unknown sample. As part of this activity students will correctly identify the element emitting the colored flame by its spectra, qualitatively identify possible metals from the color of the flame being emitted, explain the process that caused the flame to change color and understand the definition of a chemical reaction.
Delivery information: Instructor's Manual and SDS included.