Which flame color is associated with sodium during a flame test?

The flame color associated with sodium during a flame test is yellow-orange. When sodium ions are heated in a flame, they emit light at specific wavelengths, which results in a distinct yellow hue. This characteristic color arises from the excitation of the sodium atoms; when they are heated, the electrons become excited and then release energy as they return to their ground state. The energy emitted corresponds to the intensity of yellow light commonly recognized in flame tests.

In flame tests, different elements produce different colors due to this atomic excitation, allowing for the identification of certain metal ions based on their characteristic flame colors. Sodium’s yellow-orange flame is so recognizable that it can often overshadow other colors and is a fundamental aspect of identifying sodium in analytical chemistry.