Metal: barium, calcium, copper, lead, potassium

Question

Flame Color: light green, brick red, blue/green, blue/white, lilac

You are presented with four chemical compounds. Each compound contains a different metal. When the compound is heated in a flame a distinct color is emitted as the electrons are excited and give off different wavelengths of light. Determine the unknown compound based on the data table and photo.

A barium chloride
B calcium chloride
C copper (II) sulphate
D potassium nitrate

Answer 1

To determine the unknown compound based on the provided metals and their corresponding flame colors, we can match each compound with the flame color it emits when heated.

1. Barium chloride produces a light green flame.
2. Calcium chloride produces a brick red flame.
3. Copper (II) sulfate produces a blue/green flame.
4. Potassium nitrate produces a lilac flame.

Now, based on this information, we can use the flame colors to identify each compound:

• If the emitted flame color is light green, the compound is barium chloride (A).
• If the flame color is brick red, the compound is calcium chloride (B).
• If the flame color is blue/green, the compound is copper (II) sulfate (C).
• If the flame color is lilac, the compound is potassium nitrate (D).

With this information, you can match the unknown flame color observed in the photo to the corresponding compound listed above. If you specify the actual flame color observed, I can help you identify the unknown compound.