Pharmaceutical Analysis

Chapter 5

Flame Photometry

INTRODUCTION

Flame photometry is defined as the measurement of intensity of the light emitted when any alkali or earth metal is introduced into the flame. Because of the emission of radiation, it is also known as flame emission spectroscopy. Based on the element present in the sample, it produces emission spectra and different colours to the flame.

Table shows the elements’ emission wavelength with different flame colours

PRINCIPLE AND THEORY

The compounds of the alkali and alkaline earth metals can be thermally dissociated in a flame and some of the atoms produced will be further excited to a higher energy level. When these atoms return to the ground state they emit radiation which lies mainly in the visible region ...