This is a flame! In AP Chemistry class today we experimented with several ions by letting them burn in a flame. What happens is the electrons in the atoms become excited by the heat of the flame and this causes a change in electronegativity. If you think about the electromagnetic spectrum (which is where all colors come from), a color is identified by its wavelength. When the ion is put in the flame, a change in electronegativity causes a change in wavelength (and light being absorbed and transmitted), causing a change in the color of the flame! I tried my best to explain this, so I hope you understand.
Isn't it really cool? It's a pink flame! :)
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