Baldwin, Bruce W., Scott Hasbrouck, Jordan Smith, and Thomas S. Kuntzleman. “Classroom Activity Connections: Demonstrating Various Flame Tests Using Common Household Materials.” Journal of Chemical Education 87, no. 8 (2010): 790–792.
Abstract: In JCE Activity #67, “Flame Tests: Which Ion Causes the Color?”, Michael Sanger describes how to conduct flame tests with household items. We have used this activity in outreach settings, and have extended it in a variety of ways. For example, we have demonstrated large-scale strontium (red), copper (green), and carbon (blue) flames using only household items, and have helped children investigate the chemistry of sparklers and colored flame birthday candles.
