Final answer:
Different metals emit different wavelengths of light when heated, resulting in varied flame colors. This phenomenon is due to the arrangement of electrons in metals, which leads to the production of line emission spectra. Each metal salt has a unique flame color that can be used to identify the presence of specific elements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Different metals emit different wavelengths of light when heated, resulting in varied flame colors. This phenomenon is due to the arrangement of electrons in metals, which leads to the production of line emission spectra. Each metal salt has a unique flame color that can be used to identify the presence of specific elements. For example, calcium and strontium produce shades of red, while barium produces a green color.