The flame tests for sodium and potassium are based on the emissions at 589 nm and 404 nm, respectively. When both elements are present, the Na+ emission is so strong that the K+ emission can be seen only by looking through a cobalt-glass filter. (a) What are the colors of these Na+ and K+ emissions? (b) What does the cobalt-glass filter do? (c) Why is KClO4 used as an oxidizing agent in fireworks rather than NaClO4?

Chemistry: The Molecular Science
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Chapter5: Electron Configurations And The Periodic Table
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The flame tests for sodium and potassium are based on the emissions at 589 nm and 404 nm, respectively. When both elements are present, the Na+ emission is so strong that the K+ emission can be seen only by looking through a cobalt-glass filter.

(a) What are the colors of these Na+ and K+ emissions?

(b) What does the cobalt-glass filter do?

(c) Why is KClO4 used as an oxidizing agent in fireworks rather than NaClO4?

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