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How does a sodium flame test identify sodium compounds?

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A labeled diagram shows the periodic table entry for sodium, highlighting its symbol Na, atomic number 11, atomic weight, electron configuration, physical state as a solid, body-centered cubic crystal structure, and strongly basic oxide properties.
sodium

The flame test identifies sodium compounds by observing the characteristic color they impart to a nonluminous flame. When a sodium compound is introduced into a flame, the sodium atoms become excited and emit light in the yellow portion of the light spectrum.12

This specific coloration is identified with two prominent lines in the yellow region, which correspond to the same wavelengths observed in sodium-vapour lamps. Because these distinct spectral lines are unique to sodium, the appearance of this intense yellow flame serves as a reliable analytical test for the presence of sodium in a sample.2