What color does sodium yield during a flame test?

Sodium produces a bright yellow color during a flame test due to the excitation and subsequent relaxation of its electrons. When sodium ions are heated in a flame, the energy from the heat allows electrons to move to higher energy levels. As these excited electrons return to their original energy levels, they release energy in the form of light. The wavelength of this emitted light corresponds to the color yellow, specifically around 589 nm. This distinctive yellow flame is a key characteristic used to identify the presence of sodium in a sample.