When metal ions are heated in a flame the electrons jump from one energy level to higher levels. When the electrons fall back down to their original position they give out energy in the form of light. These colours are used in many fireworks and also in analytical chemistry of metal ions, for example in food samples. Wash hands after these experiments. Care with lighting bunsen burner .
Wooden splints are flammable - hold at arms length using the tongs.
Wear laboratory apron and use tongs. Light the paper by holding it in the burner flame for a second, and then, once burning, remove from the flame and observed without and with the spectrum glasses. Write down the colour in the table below. Repeat for each solution. Then do the same for the unknown solutions and identify what is in them.