Question

When two compounds — sodium chloride and calcium chloride — are burned in a flame one by one, the flame turns into different colours.
(i) Write the name of the flame colours produced by:
Sodium chloride
Calcium chloride
(ii) Are these compounds soluble in non-polar solvents like kerosene or petrol? Justify your answer.

Hint:

“Ionic compounds dissolve in polar solvents.” Flame colours help identify metal ions: Na (yellow), Ca (brick red).

Answer 1

(i) Flame Test Colours:
Sodium chloride (NaCl) → Golden yellow flame
Calcium chloride (CaCl$_2$) → Brick red flame
(ii) Solubility:
No, sodium chloride and calcium chloride are ionic compounds. They are soluble in polar solvents like water but not in non-polar solvents like kerosene or petrol.