• Question: Why do different powders such as Calcium turn different colous when set on fire?

    Asked by livvi to Duncan, Kiran, Paul, Sarah, Sharon on 26 Mar 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Kiran Meekings

      Kiran Meekings answered on 26 Mar 2010:

      Different atoms (in the powder) release different amounts of energy when they burn, which it emitted as light. Therefore, the different energies they give off corresponds to different colours of light.

    • Photo: Sharon Sneddon

      Sharon Sneddon answered on 26 Mar 2010:

      Well, its a technique called the flame test and it is used to visually determine the identity of an unknown metal based on the characteristic color the salt turns the flame of a bunsen burner. The heat of the flame converts the metal ions into atoms which become excited and emit visible light. The characteristic emission spectra can be used to differentiate between some elements.
      have you tried this in your science classes? It’s pretty cool so ask your teacher if you can!

      calcium turns a flame brick red
      copper creates a blue-green tinge
      Lead will turn the fire blue-white
      potassium for lilac
      sodium for bright orange.

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