1. What is an electron configuration?
2. How is the light emitted by an atom related to its electron configuration?
experiment 1 data sheet
Table 2: Results of Firework Material Ignition
Substance
Observations
Lithium chloride (LiCl)
Sodium chloride (NaCl)
Potassium chloride (KCl)
Calcium chloride (CaCl2)
Table 3: Electron Configuration
Element
Electron Configuration
K
Li
Na
Ca
1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2
Table 4: Color of Light Emitted by Salt Types
Salt
Color
Wavelength
LiCl
NaCl
Yellow –colored flame
589nm
KCl
Pink-colored flame
766nm
CaCl2
Orange
Between 591-603nm
1. Write out the electron configurations of carbon and each of the metals of the salt compounds used. Record this in Table 3. Potassium is already done as an example for you. Hint: The periodic table is very helpful and can be used as a guide.
2. Identify the color emitted by each of the salts along with the corresponding approximate wavelength using Table 1 in the Introduction. Record your results in Table 4.
3. Why does a salt compound give off light (or a colored flame) when burned?
4. Barium chloride (BaCl2) emits a green color when flame-tested. What can be said about the wavelength of light it emits?
