What Are Common Sources of Error in Flame Test Labs?

[GiantSheeps]

Homework Statement

In a flame test lab, where different unknown substances are heated and the identity of the substance is determined by the color emitted, what can be some sources of error?

Homework Equations

n/a

The Attempt at a Solution

I need three sources of error, and so far I have this one:
Even when cleaning the wire off thoroughly, small, residual amounts of liquid may still contaminate the wire, thus altering the shade of the color that is emitted by the heated substance.

So I need two more, I considered the fact that a lot of times the appearance of color is subjective, so what one person sees or considers to be a certain color may not technically be that color, but I'm not sure if that makes sense as a source of experimental error.

So I still need two more. Any tips/hints/help/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Buzz Bloom]

Hi GiantSheeps:

Here is a suggestion for one possibility. Think about the effects of the lighting illuminating the lab space, incandescent vs. fluorescent for example.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Buzz

 

[bigfooted]

I would definitely try to find errors in:
- the way the color is created
- the way the color is detected
- the way the color is compared to the reference colors

 

[OracleBones]

Maybe loose dust particles from the atmosphere got into the flame.