Flame Test

and the EMS

Absorption and Emission of Light in a Flame

When a substance is heated in a flame, the substances electrons absorb energy from the flame.

Absorption and Emission of Light in a Flame

This absorbed energy allows the electrons to be promoted to EXCITED energy levels and the electrons are “kicked up notch” to a higher energy level.

Absorption and Emission of Light in a Flame

The electrons naturally want to make a transition, or RELAX, back down to the ground state (lowest energy level).

Absorption and Emission of Light in a Flame

When an electron makes a transition from a higher energy level to a lower energy level, a particle of light called a photon is emitted.

We are PHOTONS!

Absorption and Emission of Light in a Flame

The energy of a photon is equal to the difference in energy between the excited state and the state to which the electron relaxes.

Absorption and Emission of Light in a Flame

The energy of the emitted photon determines the color of light observed in the flame (expressed in WAVELENGTHS).

Absorption and Emission of Light in a Flame

The color of light varies from substance to substance, depending on the electron configuration.

How is each substance unique?

•Difference between energy levels

•Exact energy of the emitted photon

•Corresponding wavelength and color

EMS

The visible portion of the EMS is only a small part of the entire spectrum.

Types of Emissions

Radio waves

Used for radio and television communication

Types of Emissions

MicrowavesUsed in radar signals and

microwave ovens

Types of Emissions

Infrared radiationGiven off in the form of heat

Types of Emissions

Visible LightoSmall portion of the EMS oWavelength region between 400

and 700nmoAs the color of light changes, so

does the amount of energy it possess

Types of Emissions

Ultra Violet (UV)Given off by the SUN

Types of EmissionsX-Rays

Used to detect bones

and teeth

Types of Emissions

Gamma RaysMay be given off by radioactive

materials

Types of Emissions