$Beryllium$ and $magnesium$ do not give colour to flame whereas other alkaline earth metals do so. Why?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) When an alkaline earth metal is heated,the valence electrons get excited to a higher energy level.
When this excited electron returns to its ground state,it releases energy in the form of light.
If this energy corresponds to the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum,a characteristic colour is observed.
In $Be$ and $Mg$ atoms,the valence electrons are very strongly bound to the nucleus due to their small size and high ionization enthalpy.
The energy required to excite these electrons to a higher energy level is very high,which is not available in a standard Bunsen flame.
Consequently,the energy released upon their return to the ground state does not fall within the visible region,and thus,no colour is observed in the flame.

Explore More

Similar Questions

Which ion is typically formed by alkaline earth metals?

Plaster of Paris is represented as

The outer electronic configuration of alkaline earth metals is:

Which alkaline earth metal chloride imparts an apple green color to the burner flame?

An element $P$ has atomic number $56$. What will be the formula of its halide?

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo