Which ion is present if an orange-red flame is observed?

Which ion is present if an orange-red flame is observed?

• A. Calcium (Ca2+)
• B. Sodium (Na+)
• C. Copper (Cu2+)
• D. Potassium (K+)

Answer: (A)

When metal ions are heated, electrons gain energy and then drop back to lower levels, emitting light at specific wavelengths that act like a color signature for each element. An orange-red flame is characteristic of calcium ions because calcium releases light in the orange-red part of the spectrum when its electrons return to lower energy levels. In contrast, sodium would produce a very bright yellow flame that can overpower other colors, potassium gives a pale lilac flame, and copper shows a blue-green flame. So, seeing an orange-red flame points to calcium ions being present.

When metal ions are heated, electrons gain energy and then drop back to lower levels, emitting light at specific wavelengths that act like a color signature for each element. An orange-red flame is characteristic of calcium ions because calcium releases light in the orange-red part of the spectrum when its electrons return to lower energy levels. In contrast, sodium would produce a very bright yellow flame that can overpower other colors, potassium gives a pale lilac flame, and copper shows a blue-green flame. So, seeing an orange-red flame points to calcium ions being present.