Exploring Atomic Structure & Electromagnetic Radiation

The task of our lab was to use a flame test to determine emission line spectrum of seven different solutions. Then, determine the identity of four unknown solutions using a flame test, and the emission line spectra from the seven known solutions.  

The steps taken were to first dip wooden splints in each known solution.
The order we dipped them were Calcium, Barium, Copper II, Lithium, Potassium, Sodium and Strontium. We placed the soaked wooden splints into the flame one at a time and observed the color of light emitted. We then recorded the light we observed into a table  beside its solution. Afterward, each group was given 4 splints with unknown solutions. Repeat the previous steps to determine the color each unknown solution gives off and compare which its most similar to compared to the known solutions. 

Ion Name (Flame Color): Calcium (dark orange), Barium (greenish yellow), Copper II (turquoise green), Lithium (cherry red), Potassium (peach), Sodium (light orange), Strontium (hot pink)

Unknown solutions (Flame color): One (Peach), Two (cherry red), Three (greenish-yellow), Four (light orange) 

Claim: One is Potassium, two is Lithium,three is Barium, four is Sodium

Each element has a different amount of electrons which is what emits the different shades of light when heated, such as Li2, Na1, Ca2, Cu2. The unique color observed during the fame test is actually a mixture of several different wavelengths of visible light. Therefore, you can determine the elements by the amount of electrons in each element. This happens when these electrons are bombarded by an outside source of energy, in this case the fire which excited the electron to absorb and move to a higher energy level, it then emits light when it releases energy and returns to its ground state.