Bunsen Burner Lab

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Pages: 2

The purpose of this lab is to conclude the identity of two unknown metals by observing the colors produced by the two groups of metals and a transition metal. When observing colors we only see a small spectrum, this is what we call the Visible Spectrum. The visible lights we can see are in a “wavelength range of 400 - 700 nanometers (nm)” and in a shade variety of “violet through red” (Madigan). The most dangerous colors are gamma rays, due to them being the highest in frequency and “most energetic form of light.” The least dangerous is Radio, and it is low in frequency (Lake). Atoms in flame produce light when electrons in excited state return to ground state and energy is released as light.

Materials Needed For this Lab:

•Metal Compounds

•Bunsen Burner

•Striker

•Goggles

•Wire

•Spectrum Chart

•Well Tray

Before procedure is started, safety measures are met (such as no chemicals are being mixed, area is clear of unnecessary items, hair is maintained back, and safe attire with goggles are on). After safety was confirmed the procedure had begun. The striker was used to light the Bunsen burner. The motive was to produce the hottest flame possible. Than the wire was touched to
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The identity of the unknown salt is most likely a sodium based compound, because it was a bold orange shade similar to the flame of sodium chloride. One thing that kept going wrong was the stick catching on fire. When this would happen, the stick’s flame would change the color seen. Like when Barium Chloride wasn’t reacting right away, the stick caught on fire. This gave the conclusion that it was light yellow, until it was done over again to find that its flame was baby pink. I recommend redoing certain compounds over again to certify the exact color. My results would be even more descriptive and precise if I redid all of them, instead of a select