Flame Tests
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Flame image source: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
View spectra of other elements.
Why does the flame have a color?
Heating an atom causes electrons to absorb energy.
The electron will jump energy levels.
When the electron falls back to its normal energy level, it emits light energy.
Different atoms give off different colors of light.
What is the spectra?
When light is passed through a prism, it splits into colors.
Elements emit light with specific spectra.
Scientists can use spectra to identify elements in stars.
The metallic salts also make cool firework colors.
Find out how astronomers use spectra to identify elements in stars.
Use this link to understand the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram.
More about the life cycle of a star.
TRY THIS: Hertzsprung-Russell Applications Interactive Lab.
TRY THIS: Can you figure out the specra code and determine the elements in the example stars? Try this PBS interactive at the Origins site. It helps to read the directions before you launch the activity.
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