Flame coloration test is used to identify metals, that is, it is a test for positive ions. Each element has a certain electronic configuration and this gives us an idea of the number of valence electrons, the particular element has. When heated, these electrons gain energy and jump to higher orbitals. Energized or excited electrons, in unstable, higher orbitals, fall back to previous states by releasing some energy. This released energy is a function of initial and final states and is characteristic of each metal. For example, lithium produces a red colored flame, while sodium generates a strong and persistent orange colored flame. It is to be noted that electron may not directly fall back to its ground state (from the excited state) and this transition may take place in multiple steps.
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