Electronic Structure of Matter & The Flame Test

Electronic Structure of Matter & The Flame Test

1. Electronic Structure of Matter & The Flame Test

2. Learning Objectives Today, we will observe how different metal salts produce unique flame colors Describe the scientific process behind light production in flame tests Connect flame colors to electron arrangement in atoms Explore real-world applications like fireworks

3. What Makes Fireworks Colorful? 🎆 Think-Pair-Share Activity: Discuss these questions Have you ever noticed salt changing flame color? What might cause different colors in fireworks? Predict what might happen when different substances are heated

4. Let's Watch: The Flame Test Video Observation Protocol Watch carefully and record your observations Pay close attention to colors produced Prepare to discuss what you see

5. Analyzing Our Observations Compass Points Discussion: North: Did all salts produce the same color? South: What specific colors did you notice? East: Which colors surprised you most? West: How might these colors be different?

6. Why the Colors? It's All About Electrons! Imagine electrons like a person on a ladder Ground State: Their normal, comfortable position Think of it as the "home base" for electrons Electrons have specific energy levels

7. Step 1: The Jump Up! Heat provides energy to electrons Electrons get "excited" and jump to higher levels Like climbing to a higher step on a ladder This is called the EXCITED STATE

8. Step 2: The Fall Down Electrons can't stay excited for long They fall back to their ground state Release extra energy as LIGHT! 💡 Each fall creates a unique color

9. Every Element is Different Each element has unique energy levels Think of it like a unique musical instrument Produces its own special "color note" Scientists call this an "atomic fingerprint"

10. Color Coders Challenge Fireworks Designer Challenge Create a display with: Brilliant red Bright yellow Lilac (pale purple) Which metals will you choose? below) Lithium Sodium Potassium Copper

11. Solution Revealed! RED: Lithium salt YELLOW: Sodium salt LILAC: Potassium salt Each color tells a unique atomic story

12. Check Your Understanding Check Your Understanding What happens to an electron when it absorbs energy from a flame? a) It moves to a lower energy level. b) It moves to a higher energy level. c) It is destroyed. Light is produced when an excited electron... jumps to a higher energy level. stays in the excited state. falls back to its ground state.

13. Why do different elements produce different colors in a flame test? They have different numbers of protons. They have unique electron energy levels. They have different melting points. The distinct color produced by an element is often called its... atomic weight. b) atomic fingerprint. c) atomic number A firework that produces a bright yellow-orange color most likely contains... a) Copper b) Lithium c) Sodium

14. Thank You! 🔬 Reflection Time What was most surprising about electron behavior? How might this knowledge help scientists? Any questions about atomic light production?