Quick Question (1 Viewer)

[boxhunter91]

Guys,
Just wondering why are cations only used in flame tests? And also in AAS?

 

[pman]

It doesn't work for anions the cations involved overpower the results

 

[sordatsoy]

Guys,
Just wondering why are cations only used in flame tests? And also in AAS?

This is a massive guess........because for anions all electron spaces in the shells are used up...so an electron cannot change energy levels, hence asorb and release energy in the form of light....??????

 

[pman]

that doesn't work, there are a theoretically infinite number of energy shells (see physics syllibus)

 

[study-freak]

Guys,
Just wondering why are cations only used in flame tests? And also in AAS?

My guess using Year 11 Chemistry:
The first ionisation energy of non-metals are very large, unlike that of metals. Hence it is difficult for electrons to be raised to a higher energy level by absorption of radiations because their energies are not sufficient.

(Keeping in mind that in the flame, ions are atomised)

It's only a guess but it makes sense to me.

 

[nosh22]

Just accept it lol.