A LESSON PLAN ON THE CHEMISTRY EXPERIMENT CARRIED OUT BY PORTUGAL

Objectives

By the end of this demonstration, students should be able to

  • Use flame tests to identify a metal or metallic salt by the color that it produces when it is put into a flame.
  • Calculate the frequency of light given its wavelength.
  • Calculate the wavelength of light given its frequency.
  • Identify an unknown metal by the color it emits when passed through a flame.

Chemistry Topics

This lesson supports students’ understanding of

  • Energy
  • Electromagnetic Spectrum
  • Atomic structure
  • Atomic spectra
  • Electrons
  • Visible light spectrum

Safety

  • Barium chloride is highly toxic. Do not ingest the salt or solution.
  • Students should wear proper safety gear during chemistry demonstrations. Safety goggles and lab apron are required. 
  • Wear proper personal protective equipment when preparing and working with solutions.
  • Always use caution around open flames. Keep flames away from flammable substances.
  • Always be aware of an open flame. Open flames can cause burns. Do not reach over it, tie back hair, and secure loose clothing.
  • Wash hands after handling materials used to prepare for or perform this experiment.

Materials

  • 7,  100 mL beakers
  • Wooden splints (number depends upon how many times the demo will be performed)
  • 1 Bunsen burner
  • 1 Striker
  • 50 mL of 1.0M Barium Chloride (BaCl2) – Note: Barium chloride is highly toxic. Do not ingest the salt or solution.
  • 50 mL of 1.0M Calcium Chloride (CaCl2)
  • 50 mL of 1.0M Copper Chloride (CuCl2)
  • 50 mL of 1.0M Lithium Chloride (LiCl)
  • 50 mL of 1.0M Potassium Chloride (KCl)
  • 50 mL of 1.0M Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
  • 50 mL of 1.0M Strontium Chloride (SrCl2)