In this lab we sprayed different compounds onto a Bunsen burner flame to see how they would react with each other. After spraying each compound, the colour of the flame would change. Each compound had its own unique colour.

Why does each compound produce its own unique colour?

The reason that each compound produces its own unique colour is because, each different compound will release various amounts of energy. The amount of energy that is released will determine the colour or the wavelength of the amount of light that is emitted. This reaction occurs when high energy leveled electrons jump down to lower energy levels creating wavelengths and in turn creating the different colours.

LiNO3

Cu(NO3)2

KNO3

Sr(NO3)2

Zn(NO3)2

Ca(NO3)2