Flame color refers to the specific hue emitted by a flame when a substance is burned. This color is influenced by the temperature of the flame and the chemical composition of the material being burned. For example, when sodium is burned, it produces a bright yellow flame, while copper can create green or blue flames. Different elements emit distinct colors due to the energy levels of their electrons. When heated, electrons jump to higher energy levels and release energy as light when they return to their original levels. This phenomenon is the basis for techniques like flame tests used in chemistry to identify substances.