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When different metals are heated by
a flame, different colors areproduced. The property of having
different flame colors is used in
displays such as fireworks.
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Some General Chemistry
Before discussing the flame, it isbest to be familiar with somegeneral chemistry terms.
Atoms are the smallest units of
matter. They are made of otherparticles: protons, neutrons,and electrons.
Elements are specific atoms.They have the same number ofprotons.
Compounds are thecombinations of more than oneelement.
Above is a calcium
atom. Below is a
iron atom.
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Different Elements
The periodic table arranges elements based on their properties.
The three major element groups are metals, nonmetals, and semi-metals.
In this presentation, we will focus on metals and their compounds,which include elements that arent metals.
Metals are shown in blue
Semi-metals are shown in pinkNonmetals are shown in yellow
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Why are there different colors?
The short answer is that for every metal element or
compound, there is a different arrangement of
electrons. When energy is given to electrons, theyjump to a position which they normally arent in.
As they fall back down to their normal position,
they release energy, which we see as light.
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Iron
Iron (Fe) is produces
yellow sparks when
heated. This can be seen
in fireworks, as well as
when a metalworker is
applying heat to iron or
steel. (Steel is acombination of iron and
carbon.)
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Copper
Copper (Cu) is noted forits blue or bluish greencolor. This color is seenin its salts*, when itrusts (such as the Statueof Liberty), when it isdissolved in water, and
when it is exposed toheat.
This flame is colored by Copper
Sulfate (CuSO4)
*A salt is any neutral ionic compound.
Ionic compounds are the combinations
of ions, such as Sodium Ion and chloride
ion, making table salt (NaCl).
The fireworks
display is
colored blue
by a copper
compound.
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Barium
Barium (Ba) is a Alkaline
Earth metal which glows
green when heated.
Many of the alkali and
alkaline earth metals
glow when subjected to
heat. Barium nitrate(BaNO3) is often used as
a colorant for fireworks.
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Potassium
Potassium (K) is another Alkalimetal which glows when placedin a flame. Potassium
compounds often produce apurple flame. In fireworks,potassium compounds not oftenused as colorants, but as an
oxidizer, which enhances theduration and intensity of othercolors. This flame is colored by
potassium chloride (KCl)
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Lithium
Lithium (Li) is an alkali metal
which holds the distinction of
being the lightest metal and
the third lightest element.
When placed under a flame,
lithium compounds, especially
lithium carbonate, will glowred when placed under a
flame.
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Magnesium
Magnesium (Mg) is an
alkaline earth metal
which burns a bright
white color. Its intense
glow can help intensify
other colors when used
in fireworks.
Above is Magnesium
Chlorates (MgCl2)
flame
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Other Flames
Element Name Compound Color
(Flame)
Image
Calcium (Ca) Orange
Strontium (Sr) Red
Cesium Dark Bluish Purple
Rubidium Magenta, Purple
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