Chapter U1.17, Problem 4E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The color of the flame for the compound sodium hydroxide is to be predicted and explained.

Concept introduction:

Different compounds produce different colors in a flame test. Flame test is done by heating a small sample of a compound in a flame such as a Bunsen burner. The color of the flame determines which atom is present in the compound.

Answer to Problem 4E

Sodium hydroxide will produce yellow - orange colored flame because sodium hydroxide has sodium as the metal component. Sodium metal produces yellow - orange colored flame.

Explanation of Solution

Each metal atom is associated with a specific flame color. A flame test can be used to confirm the presence of a particular atom in a compound. Color patterns with a flame test indicate the presence of a specific metal atom in a compound.

All sodium compounds burn with yellow - orange flame. Sodium hydroxide is also a sodium compound. So it will burn with a yellow - orange flame.

Conclusion

Color patterns with a flame test indicate the presence of a specific metal atom in a compound. In sodium hydroxide the metal is sodium which will burn with a yellow - orange flame.