Cremation of Elements

Watch the changing colour hues of the flame of the burner. Can you identify the substances present based on the colour and typical lines of the emission spectrum? The colour of the flame is given by a particular wavelength of radiated light. Substances contain electrons in their structure which are energised by the high temperature of the flame and “jump up” to a higher energetic level. But this state lasts for a very short period only and the electron quickly returns to its original state. But in doing this it needs to get rid of excess energy and releases it in the form of light. Based on the wavelength of the radiated light we perceive various hues of the flame. In practice we can encounter coloured flames most frequently in fun pyrotechnics.