Flame test can be used to identify metals in group 1 and 2 of the periodic table. Which metal burns with an intense yellow flame?

The intense yellow flame during a flame test is characteristic of sodium. When sodium ions are introduced into the flame, they emit a very bright yellow color due to the excitation of electrons, which then release energy in the form of light as they return to their ground state. This distinctive yellow flame is a reliable indicator for the presence of sodium in a sample.

Lithium, potassium, and calcium have their own specific flame colors—lithium produces a crimson red flame, potassium gives a lilac or light purple flame, and calcium emits an orange-red flame—but none of these reach the intensity or distinctiveness of the yellow flame associated with sodium. Therefore, the unique bright yellow color is what makes sodium identifiable in this test.