Lab #

Title: Qualitative Analysis

Name: Eze Thomas

Candidate Number:

Centre: St Georges College

Subject : Chemistry

Date : March 26 , 2024

Introduction :

Qualitative chemical analysis, a branch of chemistry that deals with the identification of

elements or grouping of elements present in a sample , as defined by

(https://www.britannica.com/science/qualitative-chemical-analysis) .While qualitative analysis

can be applied to various types of testing, the focus here is on salts. Salts, which consist of

ions (both cations and anions), are substances crucial for qualitative analysis. An ion is an

atom or molecule carrying a net electrical charge, with cations being positively charged and

anions negatively charged. For instance, potassium is a cation, while oxygen is an anion.

Cations have more protons than electrons, whereas anions have more electrons than

protons. Similarly, monoatomic ions, formed from a single atom (e.g., Na^+), and polyatomic

ions, composed of multiple atoms covalently bonded (e.g., NH4^+), are key to qualitative

analysis. The difference lies in their composition and charge source, with monoatomic ions

consisting of a single atom and polyatomic ions comprising multiple atoms bonded together.

While both types carry charges, monoatomic ions result from a single atom's loss or gain of

electrons, while polyatomic ions derive their charge from an overall electron imbalance.

Differentiating between salts involves various tests, including solubility tests in solutions like

NaOH and NH3, observing colour changes, ion precipitation, conducting flame tests on

metals, and noting gas evolution, all of which indicate specific ion presence. Salts are

typically formed through neutralisation reactions, wherein all H^+ ions from an acid are
replaced by a metal or ammonia. Examples of salts include NaCl, CaCO3, KNO3, and

MgSO4.

Aim: To determine the identity of the three unlabelled white solids.

Apparatus: 3 unlabeled containers of white solid ,3 test tubes of 10 cm³ of 0.1M NH ₃

solution , NaOH solution and HNO3 Stirring rod, dropper, test tube rack, beakers pipette

Procedure:

1. Three containers were labelled as A, B, and C.

2. Five grams of white solids from each container were measured and placed into test

tubes labelled A, B, and C, respectively.

3. A 10 cm³ of 0.1M HNO₃ solution was prepared in a test tube and poured into test

tube A.

4. 10 cm³ of 0.1M NH₃ solution was prepared in one test tube, and 10 cm³ of 0.1M

NaOH solution was prepared in another.

5. 10 cm³ of the solution from Test Tube A was taken, and 5 cm³ of it was added into

two separate test tubes.

6. Using a pipette, 2 cm³ of 0.1M NH₃ solution was added to Test Tube 1, and 2 cm³ of

0.1M NaOH solution was added to Test Tube 2.

7. Each mixture was stirred, and changes such as the formation of precipitates and

solubility were observed.

8. For Test Tube 2 (NaOH variant), 0.1M NaOH was slowly added drop by drop until a

precipitate formed in one of the test tubes.

 9. Observations were recorded, and 0.1M NaOH was continued to be added drop by

drop until excess, noting if the precipitate dissolved or remained unchanged even

after excess NaOH was added.

10. For Test Tube 1 (NH₃ variant), 0.1M NH₃ was slowly added drop by drop until a

precipitate formed in one of the test tubes.

11. Observations were recorded, and 0.1M NH₃ was continued to be added drop by drop

until excess, noting if the precipitate dissolved or remained unchanged even after

excess NH₃ was added.

12. Steps 2-11 were repeated with the other solids from Test Tubes B and C.

13. Two drops of 0.1M potassium iodide (KI) were added to each solution in the labelled

test tubes.

14. Observations were recorded.

15. Steps 12-13 were repeated for the other samples.

16. Observations were compared between Test Tubes A, B, and C, and the results were

tabulated.

Table showing the results of each sample in NaOH and NH3 dropwise, as well as in excess,

and with KI.

Dissolved Colour of ppt Solubility in Colour of ppt Solubility in Solution

sample in metal ion excess in metal ion excess (NH3) colour when

solution with (NaOH) solution with (soluble/ reacting with

sodium (Soluble or ammonia insoluble) KI

hydroxide insoluble) (NH3)

(NaOH)
 White Soluble in White Insoluble in Yellow orange

A Precipitate excess Precipitate excess Precipitate

formed formed

insoluble in

excess

B White Insoluble in No No No

Precipitate excess observable observable observable

formed change change change

C White soluble in White Insoluble in No

precipitate excess precipitate excess observable

change

Discussion:

In the qualitative analysis conducted, each test was aimed at identifying the unknown solids based on

their distinct reactions. Upon the addition of aqueous sodium hydroxide, white precipitates were

anticipated to form in all test tubes. In tube A, assumed to contain calcium carbonate, the observed

reaction was: CaCO₃(s) + 2NaOH(aq) → Ca(OH)₂(s) ↓ + Na₂CO₃(aq). This resulted in a white

precipitate of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂). The precipitate remained insoluble in excess sodium

hydroxide, indicative of calcium's insolubility. The solution color remained unchanged. Conversely,

in tubes B and C, containing lead and zinc carbonates respectively, the reactions were: PbCO ₃(s) +

2NaOH(aq) → Pb(OH)₂(s) ↓ + Na₂CO₃(aq) and ZnCO₃(s) + 2NaOH(aq) → Zn(OH)₂(s) ↓ +

Na₂CO₃(aq). These reactions yielded white precipitates of lead(II) hydroxide (Pb(OH) ₂) and zinc

hydroxide (Zn(OH)₂), respectively. However, in tube B, the white precipitate dissolved in excess

sodium hydroxide. Further confirmation of lead in tube B was conducted by introducing potassium

iodide, resulting in the formation of a yellow precipitate of lead(II) iodide: Pb(OH) ₂(s) + 2KI(aq) →
PbI₂(s) ↓ + 2KOH(aq). Subsequently, ammonia was added to tube B, confirming the presence of lead

with a white precipitate remaining insoluble in excess, characteristic of lead: PbI ₂(s) + 2NH ₄OH(aq)

→ Pb(OH)₂(s) ↓ + 2NH₄I(aq). Conversely, the absence of a precipitate in tube A during the ammonia

test aligned with the expected calcium composition. In tube C, zinc carbonate was expected to form a

precipitate with ammonia, dissolving in excess due to the solubility of zinc: Zn(OH) ₂(s) +

2NH₄OH(aq) → [Zn(NH₃)₄]²⁺(aq) + 2OH⁻(aq) + 2NH₄⁺(aq). These tests collectively aimed to

identify the unknown solids based on their distinctive reactions calcium carbonate being sample A

lead(II) carbonate being sample B , and zinc carbonate being sample C.

Reflection :

This lab has given me great insight into qualitative analysis, which, in turn, will aid in my

venture into the field of forensic science. In forensics, qualitative analysis is applied to

pinpoint different substances at a crime scene. For example, the mere presence of a

prohibited or controlled substance in an unauthorised setting is indicative of a potential

offence. These unknown substances may be powders, liquids, or residues, which, when

tested with qualitative analysis, provide important evidence to either support or terminate

suspicions of criminal activity. On a personal level, this lab has given me a fresh appreciation

for both forensic science and qualitative analysis. From this new knowledge and

appreciation, I have gained a new understanding of the experiment. This understanding

came with a revelation on how to improve the test through the use of flame testing, which will

further highlight the identity of each unknown substance.

Source of error
Possible impurities within the solid samples may affect precipitate colour or alter solubility

characteristics, introducing a limitation to the experiment's precision.

Precautions: 1/1

To prevent confusion, each container and test tube (labelled A, B, and C) were used with

care to ensure accurate identification of the solids and avoid any potential mix-ups.

Limitation;

Lack of control of external factors such as temperature , atmospheric pressure and humidity

may influence the results

Conclusion:

the unknown solids based on their distinctive reactions are calcium carbonate being sample

A lead(II) carbonate being sample B (B), and zinc carbonate being sample C (C)