NPS International School

Name: _____________________ Subject : Chemistry

Date: ______________________ Grade : IX IGCSE

Chemical Analysis - Identification of ions and gases

Chemist often have to identify composition of very small volumes of unknown

substances. Qualitive analysis tests can be done to identify cations and anions through
change of chemical reactions. Cations and anions can be identified in different ways. A
test can be positive or negative.

Cations are identified based on their reactions with 2 reagents: aqueous sodium
hydroxide and aqueous ammonia. The colour of the precipitates formed and their
solubility in excess of the reagent serves as a useful guide for the identification of
cations in aqueous solutions.

Similarly, a ‘Flame test’ is designed to identify a cation in a compound by the color of

the flame it produces. In a flame test, typically a wooden splint or a metal wire is dipped
into a solid sample of the compound being tested, which is then put into the edge of
the blue flame from a Bunsen burner.

A ‘Precipitate test’ is designed to identify the anion in a solution or a mixture of

solutions. This can be confirmed through simple chemical reactions it produces.
Identification is done based on the reactions, color and solubility of salts containing the
anion, supported by either a colour change, production of an odour, precipitate or
effervescence.

Similarly, when testing for common gases, each test is unique. The results of the test for
the presence or absence of any gases, lets you determine which ion is present.
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Activities:

1. View the video on ‘Test for Cations’ (Qualitative Analysis - Test for Cations)
Observe whether a precipitate is formed. If there is, identify its colour and its solubility
in excess of the alkali. Record these observations, using the phrasing format provided
for Al3+ and Zn2+.

2. View the video on ‘Flame test’ (Flame tests for metal ions)
Record the colour of the flame that the respective cations produce.

3. View the video on ‘Test for anions’ (Qualitative Analysis - Tests for Anions)
Note down the reagent(s) added to the unknown solution as well as any additional
apparatus used, such as litmus paper & wooden splint. Record the observation(s) seen.
An example is shown for CO32-.

4. View the video on ‘Test for gases’ (Gas tests)

Note down the reagent(s) added to the unknown solution as well as any additional
apparatus used, such as litmus paper & wooden splint. Record the observation(s) seen.
An example is shown each for carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

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Test for cations

Observations
Cation
Reaction with sodium hydroxide Reaction with aqueous ammonia
A ________ precipitate was formed A _______ precipitate was formed
Aluminium which _________ upon adding excess which remained ________ upon adding
NaOH solution to give a ________ excess ammonia solution.
Al3+
solution.

Zinc

Zn2+

A _______ precipitate was formed No visible reaction.

Calcium which remained ________ upon adding
excess NaOH solution.
Ca2+

Copper(II)

Cu2+

Iron(II)

Fe2+

Iron(III)

Fe3+

Chromium(III)

Cr3+

Ammonium

NH4+

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Test for anions

Anion Test Observations

Add dilute _____________ acid to the E_______________ of a c__________
unknown solution. & o____________ gas is seen.
Carbonate
Gas evolved will produce a
CO32-
w_________ precipitate when bubbled
through l________________.

Chloride, Cl-

Bromide, Cl-

Iodide, Cl-

Nitrate

NO3-

Sulfate

SO42-

Sulfite

SO32-

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Test for cations – Flame test

Name of cation Colour of flame produced

Potassium

Sodium

Lithium

Barium

Calcium

Copper(II)

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Anion Test Observations

Add dilute _____________ acid to the E_______________ of a c__________
unknown solution. & o____________gas is seen.
Carbon
Gas evolved will produce a
dioxide
w_________ precipitate when bubbled
through l________________.
Bring a ____________ splint close to
the mouth of the test tube.
Hydrogen

Oxygen

Ammonia

Chlorine

Sulfur dioxide

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