Which ion is present if a blue-green flame is observed?

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Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which ion is present if a blue-green flame is observed?

Explanation:
When metal ions are heated in a flame, their electrons gain energy and then release light as they drop back to lower levels. The color of that light is specific to the metal ion. A blue-green flame points to copper because copper’s electronic transitions emit light in that part of the spectrum. The other ions produce different flame colors—calcium gives a brick-red flame, magnesium a bright white flame, and iron tends toward a yellow-gold color—so they don’t match the observed blue-green. Hence, seeing a blue-green flame indicates copper(II) ions are present.

When metal ions are heated in a flame, their electrons gain energy and then release light as they drop back to lower levels. The color of that light is specific to the metal ion. A blue-green flame points to copper because copper’s electronic transitions emit light in that part of the spectrum. The other ions produce different flame colors—calcium gives a brick-red flame, magnesium a bright white flame, and iron tends toward a yellow-gold color—so they don’t match the observed blue-green. Hence, seeing a blue-green flame indicates copper(II) ions are present.

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