Question

3 During a flame test, a lithium salt produces a characteristic red flame. This red color is produced when electrons in excited lithium atoms
(1) are lost by the atoms
(2) are gained by the atoms
(3) return to lower energy states within the atoms
(4) move to higher energy states within the atoms

Answer 1

Answer:

• The correct answer is (3).  
• Return to lower energy states within the atoms

Explanation:

• When an atom absorbed a specific energy, the electron move from lower energy state to higher energy state known as excited energy state. After sometime, the excited state electron come back to lower energy orbital (Ground state) with emission of light as in this case of lithium, red light is emitted.