Alternative to Practical - Chemistry

Test for Cations

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Alternative to Practical - Chemistry

Flame Tests
 The flame test is used to identify the metal cations by the colour of the flame they
produce.
 A small sample of the compound is placed on an unreactive metal wire such as
nichrome or platinum.
 The colour of the flame is observed and used to identify the metal.

Results

 Red = Li+
 Yellow = Na+
 Lilac = K+
 Orange-red = Ca2+
 Blue-green = Cu2+
 Bright white = Mg2+

Sources of error in flame tests

 It can be difficult to determine a colour in bright flames.

 Impurities in metal ion solutions can alter results.
 The solution must have a high concentration of the metal ions.

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Alternative to Practical - Chemistry

Test for Anions

Tests for Gases

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Alternative to Practical - Chemistry

Other Tests

Tests of Solubility
Salt Solubility in water
Nitrates All nitrates are soluble.

Sulfates Sulfates are soluble, except for:

Barium sulfate
Calcium sulfate
Lead (II) sulfate

Chlorides Chlorides are soluble, except for:

Silver chloride
Lead (II) chloride

Carbonates Carbonates are insoluble, except for:

Ammonium carbonate
Sodium carbonate
Potassium carbonate

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Alternative to Practical - Chemistry

Word Equations

1. Acid + Base  Salt + Water

2. Acid + Alkali  Salt + Water

3. Acid + Metal  Salt + Hydrogen

4. Acid + Carbonate  Salt + Carbon dioxide + Water