In a flame test, which color is produced by lithium?

In a flame test, which color is produced by lithium?

• A. Crimson-red
• B. Yellow
• C. Lilac
• D. Orange-red

Answer: (A)

In a flame test, the color comes from electrons in the metal ions being excited by the flame and then emitting light as they drop to lower energy levels. Lithium emits light in the red part of the spectrum, producing a distinctive crimson-red flame. This red color is characteristic of lithium and helps identify it. The other common flame colors are associated with different elements—sodium gives bright yellow, potassium gives lilac, and calcium tends to produce orange-red—so the observed crimson-red points to lithium.

In a flame test, the color comes from electrons in the metal ions being excited by the flame and then emitting light as they drop to lower energy levels. Lithium emits light in the red part of the spectrum, producing a distinctive crimson-red flame. This red color is characteristic of lithium and helps identify it. The other common flame colors are associated with different elements—sodium gives bright yellow, potassium gives lilac, and calcium tends to produce orange-red—so the observed crimson-red points to lithium.