Sodium atoms can be made to emit yellow light at a wavelength of 589.0 nm if they are heated sufficiently in a Bunsen flame. This light is the basis for the test for sodium in qualitative analysis. In the flame the atoms are excited by fast-moving molecules having an average energy per mole of 3RT/2. The temperature at which this occurs is 1500 degrees celsius. Why does it require that temperature?

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Chapter7: Electronic Structure
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Sodium atoms can be made to emit yellow light at a wavelength of 589.0 nm if they are heated sufficiently in a Bunsen flame. This light is the basis for the test for sodium in qualitative analysis. In the flame the atoms are excited by fast-moving molecules having an average energy per mole of 3RT/2.

The temperature at which this occurs is 1500 degrees celsius. Why does it require that temperature? 

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