What is the origin of color ? Color is perceived as the result of either absorption or emission of visible light. In this demonstration, light emission of metal salts is caused by heat (burning methanol).

Small amounts (ca 200mg) of different metal salts (NaCl, SrCl2, CuSO4 etc) are placed in 5 cm diameter porcelain dishes. 2ml of methanol are added to each dish and immediately ignited. After several seconds, the flames take the caracteristic color corresponding to the emission spectra of the metals contained in the salts.

Methanol is a toxic and flammable liquid. Use only the prescribed amount, and ignite it immediately. Keep the stock bottle closed and far away from the demonstration. Some metal salts may be more or less toxic, but it is not necessary to clean the porcelain dishes. If these are labelled, you can reuse them by adding from time to time the correct salt, and eventually clean them once each month in the lab.

- Methanol

- 5 cm diameter porcelain dishes

- disposable plastic pipets (2ml)

- gas lighter

- metal salts (NaCl, SrCl2, CuSO4 etc)

@@References@@ Flame emission on planet mars: http://msl-scicorner.jpl.nasa.gov/Instruments/ChemCam/

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