Forensics?

[superjenius]

Thanks!

[dudeincolorado]

At competitions do they normally give you a Bunsen Burner? I need to know because the way I'm IDing powders we HEAVILY test with flame.

[superjenius]

I have always gotten one, save my first year on the event (2 years ago.) The rules only say that the supervisor will provide a flame source either candle or burner, so I would venture to guess that you will for sure get a flame source; whether burner or candle will be up to the supervisor.

[iwtban]

I really need help for polymers, can anyone help please. I don't know how to identify them, the density test doesn't seem to work for me.

[dudeincolorado]

I have never flame tested with a candle, is it much different? Obviously, the flame is less strong but is there anything else notable?

Density tests should work.... make sure you stir the pellets to get rid of the surface tension.

[iwtban]

I have never flame tested with a candle, is it much different? Obviously, the flame is less strong but is there anything else notable?

Density tests should work.... make sure you stir the pellets to get rid of the surface tension.

I don't think you can see the color, like LiCl with a reddish color when you use candle. The flame is not strong enough

[adam124218]

You can definitely see color for LiCl and KCl in a candle. I've really only ever used candles and we do just fine. You can't really see the green flame for boric acid and the calciums won't burn red, but that doesn't matter that much.

[dudeincolorado]

would calcium nitrate show up well?

[superjenius]

would calcium nitrate show up well?

from a candle's flame? the last time i did it (with a candle) i was unable to see total orange; i used a piece of cobalt blue glass (for the first and last time) to make sure.

[dudeincolorado]

But you could still see the orangeness right?