AZ Chemistry

Why Do Different Elements Produce Different Colors of Light When Heated?

Chemicals can give us a wonder. Some reaction of some chemicals can cause different result. For example when we heat certain element, it will produce different kind of light. The reaction is pretty much depend on the elements but not all elements can produce lights. Only when we do the right mechanism we will get the result we want. Still, if we do not really understand the mechanism we will not get the result we expect.

What is The Mechanism?

The mechanism usually works by heating the elements to create different light. This also happens naturally on natural occurrence. However, we can also find some chemicals with elements that can produce different light. We can utilize the reaction through burning and application to the burning material.

For us it is mostly for aesthetic purpose for various colors create beautiful combination of color. To know how the elements can produce different colors, let’s see the reasons why do different elements produce different colors of light when heated below.

Different Energy Level

Each element has different level of energy that allows to react to heat. The energy level affects how the element produces light when there is temperature come in contact with it. As the energy differs, so is the color the elements reflect. The energy level of similar elements usually is not so different and the only difference is the shade of color. However, the more contrast the elements, the more different the color of the light. The only way to know is by recognizing the elements, otherwise, only through experiment we will know what color the elements will produce.

Different Ph of The Elements

The ph of an element usually differs from each other. From scale 1 to 10, the less the scale the more acid the ph of the element. Usually acid elements produce more warm and vibrant color as the acid reacts to the heat. Some people utilize it to produce different light just like for campfire. By knowing the pH we can create different light with different color. Also, if the elements are safe, some combination will create different color that is new as well.

Different Temperature Resistant

Not only the element but the temperature of the heat is also different. Certain chemical of element reacts to lower temperature while the other reacts differently. The heat excites the element and caused reaction that produce different color of light.

Therefore, the temperature of the heat affects the color of the light. Each element has their own limit of reaction such as while the other can produce different light in low heat, the other element needs higher temperature to spark reaction and cause different color of the light. Also read Substances Label Colour Based on HMIS.

Different Ion Reaction

Every elements get excited when it meets different ion, however, not every ion can cause reaction to the element or produce different color. For example, only when an element meets metal ion that it will get excited and produce different color.

Therefore, the ion of the stuff that the element meets will create different color of light. Make sure to get to know the chemical element and what it will react. For example, some reacts to metal while the other reacts to woods, just like blue fire woods that commonly grow on the shore.

Different Form of Burning

Some chemicals only work in certain form of burning. Some work by sprinkle it onto the fire, apply it to the woods, while the other work by making a candle out of it. The different form of burning will affect how stable the color of the light will be. Sprinkling the element will cause burst of light but of unstable one while applying it to the wood or by making a candle out of it usually will produce a more stable light. It all depends on how we want to make it. Still, always be knowleadgable on the elements that make up the chemicals for they can be dangerous.

Different Illumination

Sometimes the lights reflected are different because of the illumination. Some experiments related to the light production prove that the illumination affects how our eyes perceive the light. Therefore, sometimes it is not the element itself but the light that illuminates it. The color temperature of the room or the place will influence the visual trick of the light.

That is why some people may see blue in purple when the lighting is a bit reddish and many more. Thus, we can conclude that the way elements deliver light is also influenced by the illumination.

Different Line of Spectrum

As it says that the elements work by different energy level, the energy level then produces different line of spectrum. By this way, the color produced is different from other elements. The lights travel on different line of spectrum that produce different color.

That is why that when the energy level rises from the excitement to heat, the element begins to produce the light according to its reaction to the energy level and line of spectrum. Thus, we can make different colors from elements that produce various colors. Also read Important Applications of Photochemistry in modern life .

Other reasons why elements produce different light when heated

Why do different elements produce different colors of light when heated? Here is the answer:

Chemical compound
Type of heat
Mass of elements
Setting of heating
Melting point

The different colors elements produce is a wonder to us. Some are beneficial to us to serve an aesthetic look but some elements on some chemicals can be dangerous and risky. Therefore, get yourself aware of how the elements react before utilizing them.