Lab #

Title: Qualitative Analysis

Aim: To identify the ions present in solution X.
Apparatus/Materials:
Four test tubes, test tube rack, five 10cm3 beakers, silver nitrate solution, dilute hydrochloric acid, sodium
hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, aqueous ammonia, sample of X.

Method/Observations/Inferences:

Test Observations Inferences

Solution X was separated into
four portions and each
portion was placed into a test
tube.
1. Add NaOH(aq)
(i) Dropwise
(ii) In excess
2. Add NH3(aq)
(i) Dropwise
(ii) In excess
3. Add AgNO3(aq)
If any reaction is seen,
follow
4. Add BaCl2(aq)
Followed by dilute
HCl(aq)

Inferences:
Cations: Anion:
Cu2+ SO42-
Compound:
CuSO4 (Copper Sulphate)
Discussion:
Qualitative analysis is a method to identify the components or qualities of a substance, mixture, or subject
using non-numeric or non-quantifiable indicators. In the case of this experiment, we are presented with an
unknown sample and we mixed this sample with different compounds, analysed and inferred the results of
each in order to create an estimated guess on the composition. We focused on the solubility, reactivity and
properties of each product to reach the conclusion on the composition.
Sources Of Error:
1. Contamination of test tubes, due to improper cleaning prior to the experiment.
2. Inaccurate measurements on the different solutions may lead to incorrect results

Precautions:
1. PPE was worn.
2. Apparatus was cleaned after each test.

Reflection:
Qualitative analysis is not only confined to the lab however, as in real life, forensic scientists may use
qualitative chemical analysis to identify substances left at crime scenes, which can be vital in convicting
criminals. It became clear to me through the conduction of this experiment that qualitative analysis and
testing to determine unknown chemicals is important.

Conclusion:
The cation which was Cu2+ and the anion which was SO42- were successfully found. The unknown sample
X was found to be CuSO4 (Copper Sulphate).