Question

Is there a net ionic equation associated with a flame test? For example we dipped nichrome wire in and Na+ solution and put it into a flame. Is there a net ionic equation associated with this?

Answer 1

When sodium is heated in Nichrome wire, the electrons of sodium in lower energy level (ground state) are excited to higher energy level (excited state). When these electrons fall back to their initial energy levels (ground state), some amount of energy is emitted and this is seen as visible light (photon of 589nm is emitted). The colour observed is intense yellow for this wavelength.

There is no ionic equation as such for the test. But it depends on the emission of flame and wavelength of light emitted.

Note: The wavelength of light emitted is characteristic for each alkali and alkaline earth metal.