Discuss ground state and excited electrons. Indicate how when electrons are excited they are raised to a higher energy level around the nucleus. Elicit when the electron returns to its original, more stable energy level, the energy is emitted in the form of light of various frequencies. Discuss briefly Heisenberg's principle and why the exact location of an electron cannot be positioned.
Use the lab to view the light emitted by different metal ions as the electrons in each are excited and then returned to ground state. The flame test is used.