What is flame photometry?

   Flame photometry is a method of chemical analysis based on measurement of flame coloration. Many chemical elements cause characteristic flame colorations. By measuring the light emitted by such colored flames, the amounts of such elements present in substances can be determined. Although flame photometry is most frequently used to determine amounts of sodium and potassium, the technique can be applied to determine about 48 different elements. Flame photometry is of particular use in the analysis of body fluids and tissues. However, it can be applied to the analysis of many other substances.