2:45 describe how to carry out a flame test

A flame test is used to show the presence of certain metal ions (cations) in a compound.

A platinum or nichrome wire is dipped into concentrated hydrochloric acid to remove any impurities.
The wire is dipped into the salt being tested so some salt sticks to the end.
The wire and salt are held in a non-luminous (roaring) bunsen burner flame.
The colour is observed.

Properties of the platinum or nichrome wire is:

Past paper questions on spec point:

Spec	Q'stion	Ans	MS
2:45	Jan '12 (2), Q 6 a	Answer	MkS
2:45	Jan '12 (2), Q 6 d	Answer	MkS
2:45	Jan '16 (2), Q 3 d	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '10 (2), Q 1 a	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '11 (1), Q 6 a i	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '11 (1), Q 6 a ii	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '11 (1), Q 6 c	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '11 (2), Q 1	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '12 (1), Q 11 a i	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '12 (1), Q 11 a ii	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '12 (1), Q 11 b	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '13 (1R), Q 8 a i	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '13 (1R), Q 8 a ii	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '13 (1R), Q 8 a iii	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '13 (1R), Q 8 b i	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '13 (1R), Q 8 b ii	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '13 (1R), Q 8 b iii	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '13 (2R), Q 3 c	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '13 (2R), Q 4 d	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '15 (1R), Q 8 a i	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '15 (1R), Q 8 a ii	Answer	MkS
2:45	May '15 (1R), Q 8 a iii	Answer	MkS