Yay 600!

Here's your reward: Benedict Cumberbatch as the colours of the flame tests for metal ions - an analytical procedure for identifying metal traces based on emission spectra.

Sherlock would approve.

First up. Lithium (Li) - Red

Flame tests work by exciting the electrons in the atoms. As you heat them, they jump from one energy level to the next. As they cool, they return to their original energy level giving off energy as light.

Sodium (Na) - strong persistent yellow-orange

The amount of energy needed by each element to get to the next level is different. This energy corresponds to different wavelengths of light being emitted hence the different colours.

Potassium (K) - Lilac or Pink

To carry out the flame test, the most common method is to use a nichrome wire, hydrochloric acid and a Bunsen Burner.

Rubidium (Rb) - Reddish Violet

Dip the wire into the acid and hold into the flame. Repeat until the flame no longer changes colour.

Caesium (Cs) - Blue violet

Re-dip the loop into the acid and dip into the sample.

Calcium (Ca) - Orange red

Hold the sample into the blue Bunsen flame. Watch the colours dance around and then try to work out which metal is present if you can tear your eyes away from the prettiness.

Strontium (Sr) - Red

Used in the field as a simple qualitative tool as it only requires basic equipment. Geologists, miners, even some forensic scientists have all used this technique.

Barium (Ba) - Pale Green

It's likely that Holmes himself would have used this procedure. He was a man out of time after all.

Copper (Cu) - Blue Green

It is, of course, how fireworks get their colour. Load them up with metal salts, light the blue touch paper and watch as those electrons excite and them calm down releasing different colours of light.

Iron (Fe) - Orange Red

And that's it! I hope you've enjoyed my mix of science and Benedict. Let's see what I can rustle up for 700 followers.

Thanks everyone.