Flame colours - a demonstration This demonstration experiment
can be used to show the flame colours given by alkali metal,
alkaline earth metal, and other metal, salts. This is a
spectacular version of the ‘flame tests’ experiment that can be
used with chemists and non-chemists alike. This experiment must
be done as a demonstration. It takes about ten minutes if all is
prepared in advance. Preparation includes making up the spray
bottles and conducting a risk assessment. Your employer's risk
assessment must be customised by determining where to spray the
flame to guarantee the audience’s safety. Samples of the
following metal salts (no more than 1 g of each): Lithium
chloride (HARMFUL) Copper sulfate (HARMFUL, DANGEROUS TO THE
ENVIRONMENT) Ethanol (HIGHLY FLAMMABLE), approx 10 cm3 for each
metal salt or IDA (industrial denatured alcohol) (HIGHLY
FLAMMABLE, HARMFUL) Refer to Health & Safety and Technical notes
section below for additional information. Trigger pump operated
spray bottles (Note 2) Heat resistant