The table shows the flame test colours for five common metal ions. The same colours are obtained whether the test compound is in the solid state or dissolved in water.

Salt slurries in petri dishes with methanol are ignited and characteristic colors for various metals are observed. Colors of emission spectra are due to loosely-bound valence electrons being excited ...

Cations can be identified with flame tests or precipitate tests using sodium hydroxide and ammonia solutions. Anions (halide, sulfate, and carbonate ions) can be identified using precipitate tests or ...