Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Flame Photometry: Overview01:02

Flame Photometry: Overview

1.4K
Flame photometry, also known as flame emission spectrometry, is a technique used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of elements present in a sample using a flame as the source of excitation energy. The concept of flame photometry was realized in the early 1860s by Kirchhoff and Bunsen, who discovered that specific elements emit characteristic radiation when excited in flames. The first instrument developed for this purpose was used to measure sodium (Na) in plant ash using a Bunsen...
1.4K
Flame Photometry: Lab01:16

Flame Photometry: Lab

843
In a flame photometer, when a solution like potassium chloride is aspirated into the flame, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind dehydrated salt. This salt dissociates into free gaseous atoms in their ground state. Some of these atoms absorb energy from the flame, leading to their excitation. The excited atoms return to the ground state, emitting photons at characteristic wavelengths. Because only electronic transitions are involved, the resulting emission lines are very narrow. The intensity...
843
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Interference01:30

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Interference

595
In atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), high-temperature atomizers excite a broad range of elements and molecules that generate complex emissions from sources such as oxides, hydroxides, and flame combustion products in the flame or plasma. Several strategies can be employed to minimize spectral interferences caused by overlapping emission lines or bands. These include increasing instrument resolution, choosing alternative emission lines, optimally placing the detector in low-background regions,...
595
Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy01:29

Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy

900
Atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS) is an analytical technique that involves the electronic transitions of atoms in a flame, furnace, or plasma being excited by electromagnetic (EM) radiation. When these atoms absorb energy, they become excited and subsequently release energy as they return to their original state. This emitted light, or "fluorescence," is observed at a right angle to the incident beam. Both absorption and emission processes transpire at distinct wavelengths, which...
900
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods01:25

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods

1.4K
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) atomizes samples through flame atomization or electrothermal atomization. Flame atomization typically involves a nebulizer and spray chamber assembly to combine the sample with a fuel–oxidant mixture, creating a fine aerosol mist that enters a burner. Typically, the fuel and oxidant are combined in an approximately stoichiometric ratio. However, for atoms that are easily oxidized, a fuel-rich mixture may be more advantageous. Only about 5% of the...
1.4K
Gas Chromatography: Types of Detectors-II01:19

Gas Chromatography: Types of Detectors-II

1.1K
In gas chromatography, different detectors are employed to meet specific analytical needs. These detectors are often categorized based on their detection mechanisms and the types of compounds they are best suited to analyze. Thermal Conductivity Detectors (TCD), Flame Ionization Detectors (FID), and Electron Capture Detectors (ECD) represent common categories, each with unique operating principles and applications. However, beyond these, several other detectors are designed for more specialized...
1.1K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Infrared Photodissociation Spectroscopy of Benzene-V<sup>+</sup>(CO)<sub>n</sub> "Piano Stool" Cations.

The journal of physical chemistry. A·2026
Same author

Photodissociation Dynamics of the Zn<sup>+</sup>(Acetylene) and Zn<sup>+</sup>(Ethylene) Cation-Ï€ Complexes.

The journal of physical chemistry. A·2026
Same author

Photodissociation and Infrared Spectroscopy of U<sup>+</sup>(CO<sub>2</sub>)<sub><i>n</i></sub>, UO<sup>+</sup>(CO<sub>2</sub>)<sub><i>n</i></sub>, and UO<sup>2+</sup>(CO<sub>2</sub>)<sub><i>n</i></sub> Cation-Molecular Complexes.

The journal of physical chemistry. A·2026
Same author

Vibrational Signatures of Unrealized Phosphorus Suboxide Intermediates in White Phosphorus Oxidation Reactions.

The journal of physical chemistry. A·2025
Same author

Photodissociation Dynamics in (N<sub>2</sub>)<sub><i>n</i></sub><sup>+</sup> Clusters.

The journal of physical chemistry. A·2025
Same author

Spectroscopy and Theory of Acetylene Coupling Reactions in Ti<sup>+</sup>(C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub>)<sub><i>n</i></sub> Complexes.

The journal of physical chemistry. A·2025
Same journal

Students' Perceptions of Staple Elements of the Doctoral Program: Research, Courses, Exams, and Seminars.

Journal of chemical education·2026
Same journal

Antifungal Activity of Conjugated Metal Organic Frameworks: A Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Laboratory Experiment.

Journal of chemical education·2026
Same journal

Rethinking the Nature and Extent of Inductive Effects in Organic Compounds.

Journal of chemical education·2026
Same journal

Science Outreach: Providing an Authentic Independent Research Opportunity in Materials Science to School Students.

Journal of chemical education·2026
Same journal

The Chocolate Curriculum: A Gateway to Materials Science and Engineering and Python Programming.

Journal of chemical education·2026
Same journal

Erratum: Addition to "Independent at-Home Chemistry Project for a High School Student: Osmosis Experiments Using a U‑Tube Apparatus".

Journal of chemical education·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 14, 2026

Experimental Methodology for Estimation of Local Heat Fluxes and Burning Rates in Steady Laminar Boundary Layer Diffusion Flames
10:29

Experimental Methodology for Estimation of Local Heat Fluxes and Burning Rates in Steady Laminar Boundary Layer Diffusion Flames

Published on: June 1, 2016

12.3K

Misconceptions and Insights about Flame Tests.

Michael A Duncan1

  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States.

Journal of Chemical Education
|October 20, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Flame tests demonstrate atomic emission, but the light originates from neutral atoms, not ions. This commentary clarifies the underlying atomic spectroscopy and chemical mechanisms involved in flame tests.

Keywords:
Atomic spectroscopyFirst-year/generalLaboratory instructionMisconceptions/discrepant events

More Related Videos

Flame Experiments at the Advanced Light Source: New Insights into Soot Formation Processes
10:04

Flame Experiments at the Advanced Light Source: New Insights into Soot Formation Processes

Published on: May 26, 2014

13.3K
Combustion Characterization and Model Fuel Development for Micro-tubular Flame-assisted Fuel Cells
08:16

Combustion Characterization and Model Fuel Development for Micro-tubular Flame-assisted Fuel Cells

Published on: October 2, 2016

9.9K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jan 14, 2026

Experimental Methodology for Estimation of Local Heat Fluxes and Burning Rates in Steady Laminar Boundary Layer Diffusion Flames
10:29

Experimental Methodology for Estimation of Local Heat Fluxes and Burning Rates in Steady Laminar Boundary Layer Diffusion Flames

Published on: June 1, 2016

12.3K
Flame Experiments at the Advanced Light Source: New Insights into Soot Formation Processes
10:04

Flame Experiments at the Advanced Light Source: New Insights into Soot Formation Processes

Published on: May 26, 2014

13.3K
Combustion Characterization and Model Fuel Development for Micro-tubular Flame-assisted Fuel Cells
08:16

Combustion Characterization and Model Fuel Development for Micro-tubular Flame-assisted Fuel Cells

Published on: October 2, 2016

9.9K

Area of Science:

  • Chemistry
  • Atomic Spectroscopy
  • Chemical Demonstrations

Background:

  • Flame tests are common chemistry demonstrations involving metal salt solutions producing colored emissions.
  • The underlying scientific principles of flame tests are often misunderstood or inaccurately explained.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify the atomic spectroscopy principles behind flame tests.
  • To correct common misconceptions regarding the source of colored emissions in flame tests.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of flame test phenomena within the framework of established atomic spectroscopy.
  • Discussion of the detailed chemical mechanisms, including ion desolvation and gas-phase electron transfer.

Main Results:

  • Emission in flame tests primarily originates from excited neutral atoms, not the dissolved ions.
  • The process involves critical steps like ion desolvation and electron transfer in the gas phase.

Conclusions:

  • Flame test emissions are a result of neutral atom excitation, explained by atomic spectroscopy.
  • Accurate understanding requires considering ion desolvation and gas-phase electron transfer mechanisms.