Do positive ions or the negative ions cause the change in flame color ? Explain why and give on example.
You can obtain colors with neutral atoms; however, I assume you must mean + ions if the electron is completely removed.
i have no idea
The change in flame color is caused by the presence of certain elements called "emission line elements" in the form of ions in the flame. These elements can be present as positive ions (cations) or negative ions (anions). However, it is primarily the positive ions that cause the change in flame color.
When a substance is heated in a flame, its atoms or ions absorb energy from the heat and get excited. As they return to their normal state, they release this excess energy in the form of light. Each element emits light at specific wavelengths or colors, which gives rise to the characteristic flame colors.
Positive ions are responsible for most of the colorful flame emissions because they tend to be more energetically favorable. The positive ions have electrons in higher energy levels as compared to negative ions. When these electrons transition to lower energy levels, they emit higher-energy photons, resulting in a wide range of visible colors.
For example, when a compound containing sodium ions (Na+) is introduced into a flame, the heat causes the electrons in the Na+ ions to become excited. When these excited electrons return to their ground state, they emit energy in the form of yellow light, giving the flame its characteristic yellow color.
In summary, while both positive and negative ions can contribute to flame color, it is primarily the positive ions that cause the vibrant changes in color due to the energetic nature of their electron transitions.