logo

Learning objective

Explain how to use a flame test to identify the following cations: (a) lithium (Li⁺), (b) sodium (Na⁺), (c) potassium (K⁺), and (d) copper(II) (Cu²⁺).

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

Practise this topicRead the exam answerTopic hub

Exam focus

  • Read the explanation.
  • Check key terms.
  • Practise with linked questions.
Cambridge IGCSE Combined ScienceExperimental techniques and chemical analysisCore content

Study support

Understand this objective

Quick explanation

Explain how to use a flame test to identify the following cations: (a) lithium (Li⁺), (b) sodium (Na⁺), (c) potassium (K⁺), and (d) copper(II) (Cu²⁺)

  • This point belongs to Identification of ions and gases, especially Identification of ions and gases outcomes.
  • You need to be able to explain how to use a flame test to identify the following cations: (a) lithium (Li⁺), (b) sodium (Na⁺), (c) potassium (K⁺), and (d) copper(II) (Cu²⁺).
  • The key ideas to know are Describe, Explain, and Identify.
  • Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

DescribeExplainIdentify

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Identification of ions and gases outcomes to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Identification of ions and gases.

Revision tools

Choose how to practise

Back to topic hub
Flashcards10 linked cards

Flashcard 1 of 10

Press Space to flip, arrows to move
Practice Questions7 linked questions

Question 1 of 7

Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.

0 of 5 attempted

Paper 3 structured question: Identification of ions and gases

Paper 3Theory (Core)3 marks

Description

Flame Test Results

When a sample containing lithium, sodium, potassium, and copper(II) ions is subjected to a flame test, the following colors are observed: lithium - crimson red, sodium - bright yellow, potassium - lilac, copper(II) - blue-green.

  1. a

    Explain the procedure for conducting a flame test and how to interpret the results.

    Aim for approximately 3 distinct marking points.

    [3]
Revision notestopic notes

Open the full topic revision notes when you are ready to review this objective in context.

Open revision notes

Related learning objectives

Revision hubs

Move back to a broader study route

Cambridge IGCSECombined Science resources