Chapter U1.17, Problem 10E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The correct option is to be selected.

Concept introduction:

Different compounds produce different colors in a flame test. Flame test is done by heating a small sample of a compound in a flame such as a Bunsen burner. The color of the flame determines which atom is present in the compound. Each metal atom produces a specific color in the flame test.

Answer to Problem 10E

Correct answer: Option (C)

Explanation of Solution

Reason for correct option:

Each metal atom produces a specific color in the flame test. For example lithium compounds produce red flame, barium produces green flame, sodium produces orange yellow, copper gives blue - green and calcium gives orange colored flame. A pure metal and the compound of the metal both produce same color. By observing the color of flame, one can predict which metal atom is present in the compound. Non - metal atoms do not affect the color of the flame.

Since the color of the flame produced by the two samples is orange, the compounds must contain calcium atoms as calcium produces orange colored flame.

Conclusion

Reasons for incorrect options:

(A) This is not true as it is given that the two samples are different chemical compounds.

(B) Non - metals do not produce any color in the flame. Chlorine is a non - metal so it cannot give any color to the flame. Hence, this option is not true.

(D) Potassium atoms gives pink - lilac color to the flame. So the samples cannot contain potassium compounds. Hence, this option is not true.