Metal chlorides are usually more volatile than other salts. More of the salt will be converted to vapour in the flame and therefore give a brighter colour. 2. ... In the flame test, electrons in both the metal atoms and the chlorine atoms are excited to higher energy levels.

What causes the different colors in a flame test?

The colors observed during the flame test result from the excitement of the electrons caused by the increased temperature. The electrons "jump" from their ground state to a higher energy level. ... The color emitted by larger atoms is lower in energy than the light emitted by smaller atoms.

Why do elements burn different colors?

When you heat an atom, some of its electrons are "excited* to higher energy levels. When an electron drops from one level to a lower energy level, it emits a quantum of energy. ... The different mix of energy differences for each atom produces different colours. Each metal gives a characteristic flame emission spectrum.