Strontium Flame Test

Identifying strontium by its scarlet-red flame

Flame Tests Beginner (Middle School) 15 min ~$10.00

Objective

Observe the bright scarlet-red flame produced by strontium ions, commonly used in red fireworks and emergency flares.

Background

Strontium compounds produce a vivid scarlet-red flame when heated, with primary emission lines at 460.7 nm and 707.0 nm. This distinctive red is widely used in pyrotechnics for red fireworks, road flares, and military signal flares. Strontium's flame color is more brilliant and more orange-red compared to lithium's deeper crimson.

Safety Warnings

  • Wear safety goggles at all times
  • Keep hair tied back near open flames
  • Handle HCl with care

Required PPE

goggles lab_coat

Materials

  • Strontium chloride (SrCl₂) (1 g)
  • Hydrochloric acid (HCl) (10 mL)
    1M concentration
  • Distilled water (50 mL)
    For cleaning

Equipment

Bunsen burner Nichrome wire loop Watch glass Forceps

Procedure

1

Clean the nichrome wire by dipping in HCl and heating until no color appears.

2 min
2

Place strontium chloride on the watch glass and pick up a sample on the clean wire.

1 min
3

Hold the wire in the Bunsen burner flame and observe the flame color.

2 min
4

Compare the scarlet-red color with lithium (crimson) if previously tested.

2 min
5

Record observations noting intensity and hue differences from other red-producing elements.

1 min

Expected Results

A bright scarlet-red flame should appear, distinctly more orange-red than lithium's crimson. The color is vivid and persistent, easily distinguished from other metal flame colors.

Cleanup

Clean wire with HCl. Dispose of chemicals per lab protocol.

Details

Category
Flame Tests
Difficulty
Beginner (Middle School)
Duration
15 min
Est. Cost
$10.00
Steps
5
Materials
3

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Barium Flame Test 20 min Calcium Flame Test 15 min Copper Flame Test 15 min Flame Test Comparison Lab 45 min Lithium Flame Test 15 min Potassium Flame Test 20 min Sodium Flame Test 15 min

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of Strontium Flame Test?
Observe the bright scarlet-red flame produced by strontium ions, commonly used in red fireworks and emergency flares.
How difficult is Strontium Flame Test?
This experiment is rated as Beginner (Middle School). It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
What safety precautions are needed for Strontium Flame Test?
Key safety precautions include: Wear safety goggles at all times; Keep hair tied back near open flames; Handle HCl with care.
What materials are needed for Strontium Flame Test?
The main materials required are: Strontium chloride (SrCl₂), Hydrochloric acid (HCl), Distilled water.
What results should I expect from Strontium Flame Test?
A bright scarlet-red flame should appear, distinctly more orange-red than lithium's crimson. The color is vivid and persistent, easily distinguished from other metal flame colors.