Chemistry came alive with vibrant colors in Lisa Salyers' classroom at Chagrin Falls High School this month as students conducted atomic emission spectra and flame testing to explore atomic structure and electron behavior.
The hands-on laboratory experiment allowed students to observe how different metallic compounds produce distinctive colors when heated in a flame.
"Flame testing transforms an abstract concept into tangible experience," Salyers explained. "When students observe these color changes, they better understand how electrons absorb and release energy at specific wavelengths."
The experiment reinforced key chemistry concepts including atomic structure, electron energy levels, and the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and energy in the electromagnetic spectrum. Students recorded their observations and analyzed the connection between each metal's electron configuration and its characteristic flame color.
