What happens to sodium in a flame test?

In a flame test, sodium ions emit a characteristic yellow-orange flame when heated. This occurs due to the excitation of sodium atoms when they are energized by the flames, causing electrons to jump to higher energy levels. As these electrons return to their ground state, they release energy in the form of light. The specific wavelengths emitted during this transition correspond to the bright yellow-orange color observed, which is a distinct and recognizable feature of sodium.

This phenomenon is used to identify the presence of sodium in a sample because the intensity and color of the flame are unique to sodium ions. Understanding this aspect of sodium's behavior in a flame test is fundamental in qualitative analysis in chemistry, enabling chemists to recognize certain metal ions based on their flame coloration.