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

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

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

Answer: (C)

Flame tests work because heating a metal causes its electrons to jump to higher energy levels, and when they drop back, they emit light at specific wavelengths. Potassium has strong emission in the violet/purple region, so the flame appears as a pale lilac color. This lilac color helps identify potassium, though sodium’s bright yellow can sometimes mask it, so careful observation is needed.

Flame tests work because heating a metal causes its electrons to jump to higher energy levels, and when they drop back, they emit light at specific wavelengths. Potassium has strong emission in the violet/purple region, so the flame appears as a pale lilac color. This lilac color helps identify potassium, though sodium’s bright yellow can sometimes mask it, so careful observation is needed.