Emission Spectroscopy

(Partner: Paul B.)


Observations: (Before):
Barium Chloride- white, small sand-like crystals
Calcium Chloride- white, small, shiny balls
Lithium Chloride- white, small, powdery crystals
Sodium Chloride- white, powdery, sugar-like crystals
Strontium Chloride- white, sugar-like crystals
Cupric Sulfate- blue-green sand-like crystals
Potassium Chloride- white, small sand-like crystals
Unknown 1- white, small sand-like crystals
Unknown 2- blue-green sand-like crystals

(During):

Sodium Chloride

  

Barium Chloride

Strontium Chloride

Lithium Chloride



Cupric Sulfate



Potassium Chloride



Unknown   #2



Unknown #1



Calcium Chloride (Left)
Lithium Chloride (Right)

Questions:

1) According to the modern theory of the atom, where may an atom's electrons be found?

          The electrons orbit the nucleus in electron clouds.

2) How do electrons become "excited"?

          When an electron gains an E, it jumps to a higher level.

3) How should the burner flame be adjusted?

          It can be adjusted by turning the piece at the top to the left or right.

4) Why should the wire loops used in the flame emission tests be returned to their appropriate salt container?

          If the loops are not place back in the appropriate container then it will cause the chemicals to mix, affecting the outcome of the experiment.

5) How can a contaminated loop be cleaned?

          To clean the loop, it should be ran under distilled water.

6) What is the identity of the unknown salt(s)?

          Unknown #1 is potassium chloride, and Unknown #2 is cupric sulfate (copper chloride)

7) Prior to its discovery of Earth, the existence of helium was first confirmed in the sun. Explain how this can be possible.

          When holding the spectroscope up to the light of the sun, it shows the helium spectrum of the sun.