Is There Sodium in Bananas?
Flame Test Demonstration Kit

Bananas are a good source of potassium—but do they also contain sodium? This flame test demonstration provides a safe, unique method for observing flame test colors of metal ions—no flammable solvents required! Demonstrate the characteristic colors produced by three different metal ions, and then let students identify which ions are present in bananas. By the way, the answer to the question is yes—in more ways than one! Includes Teacher Demonstration Notes, reproducible student worksheets, and enough materials to perform both parts of the demonstration seven times.

Concepts: Properties of metals, atomic structure, emission spectra, nutrients in food.

Time Required: 20 minutes

Materials Provided: Banana chips, calcium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, vinegar, and weighing dishes.
Note: Three borosilicate glass Petri dishes are required and available separately.