Today I participated in an experiment called the Flame Test Lab. The experiment goal is to teach us about energizing atoms and relaxed atoms as well as colors certain metal salts give off when burnt.
A quick summary of some scientific vocabulary is as follows:
Atom: Smallest unit of an element that still has the characteristics of that element.
Protons (p+): Positive Sub-Atomic particle; found in nucleus.
Electrons (e-): Negative Sub-Atomic particle; orbiting nucleus.
Neutrons (n0): No charge, also found in nucleus.
List of element used/observed and color when burnt:
Mg (Magnesium): Very Bright White
Li (Lithium): Red
Cu (Copper): Green
Na (Sodium): Yellow-Orange
B (Boron): Light Green
Sr (Strontium): Dark Orange
K (Potassium): Violet
Fe (Iron): Orange
Li + Cu= "Spiderman" (Florescent Blue, then Red)
Equipment used:
Bunsen Burner
Metal stick
Bunsen Can
Clamps
Looking beyond what was visible to me during the experiment, I think the reason why these salts burned the colors they did was because of the amount of electrons in those specific elements. When you energize atoms, the energy absorbed moves electrons to outer levels. I think that process determines what color the fire would be.
The results were perfect as we were able to see many different colored flames from different atom elements. It was successful because our teacher set up the experiment.
I wouldn't really change anything big because this experiment was successful. If I was organizing a group to work with, I would work with people I know that are responsible. I could see a continuation to this experiment by trying other elements.
A quick summary of some scientific vocabulary is as follows:
Atom: Smallest unit of an element that still has the characteristics of that element.
Protons (p+): Positive Sub-Atomic particle; found in nucleus.
Electrons (e-): Negative Sub-Atomic particle; orbiting nucleus.
Neutrons (n0): No charge, also found in nucleus.
List of element used/observed and color when burnt:
Mg (Magnesium): Very Bright White
Li (Lithium): Red
Cu (Copper): Green
Na (Sodium): Yellow-Orange
B (Boron): Light Green
Sr (Strontium): Dark Orange
K (Potassium): Violet
Fe (Iron): Orange
Li + Cu= "Spiderman" (Florescent Blue, then Red)
Equipment used:
Bunsen Burner
Metal stick
Bunsen Can
Clamps
Looking beyond what was visible to me during the experiment, I think the reason why these salts burned the colors they did was because of the amount of electrons in those specific elements. When you energize atoms, the energy absorbed moves electrons to outer levels. I think that process determines what color the fire would be.
The results were perfect as we were able to see many different colored flames from different atom elements. It was successful because our teacher set up the experiment.
I wouldn't really change anything big because this experiment was successful. If I was organizing a group to work with, I would work with people I know that are responsible. I could see a continuation to this experiment by trying other elements.