Question

Can we use glass rod instead of platinum wire for performing the flame test? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

1) Platinum doesn't impart any color to the flame.

2) It is not oxidised under the high temperature of the flame from a bunsen burner.

3) It is almost chemically inert. Even at high temperatures, it remains unattacked by free radicals / acid radicals.

Therefore, platinum wire is crucial for a flame test. Also, a platinum wire should be thoroughly cleaned before using it for a new flame test.

A platinum wire is cleaned by dipping it into concentrated HNO3 and then placing it in the non luminous part of the bunsen flame. Otherwise, the perviously tested radicals will impart color to the flame, which may cause confusion.