Flame Tests

Chemistry students observed flames from various metal salts in their study of atomic spectra. The colors emitted by flames correspond to frequencies emitted by atoms when electrons are excited to higher energy levels, and may be used to identify metal atoms.

Ink and Document Analysis

Forensic Science students recently did a lab on ink and document analysis. They examined pencil marks using microscopy, and analyzed ball point and felt pen inks using paper chromatography. They also compared various paper samples using ultraviolet light. At the conclusion of the lab they were asked to identify three unknowns from a hypothetical crime scene.