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Why do different metals have different flam colors?

2 Answers

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Final answer:

Different metals have different flame colors because of the arrangement of electrons in metals, which emit different wavelengths of light. Flame colors can be used to identify elements in unknown substances.

Step-by-step explanation:

Different metals have different flame colors because the arrangement of electrons in metals leads to the emission of different wavelengths of light when the electrons return to their ground states. Each metal salt has a unique flame color. These flame colors can be used to create atomic emission spectra, which can then be used to identify the elements present in an unknown substance.

User Deadbeef
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The amount of heat and energy varies slightly as the flame burns. as electrons in the flame are exited, they jump different numbers of shells, and when they are pulled back into their original shell, the amount of shells they need to fall determines how much energy is released and so makes different color light.
User Mrahhal
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