Ion Tests

Some metal ions can be indentified with the flame test.

A damp splint is placed into the solid and held in the Bunsen burner flame.

The colour of the flame identifies the metal.

Sodium - Yellow

Potassium - Lilac

Calcium - Red

Copper - Blue/Green

1. Add dilute acid to a substance.

2. Test gas given off with limewater.

• It will fizz or bubble as a gas is given off.
• The gas will turn the limewater milky/cloudy.

1. Add a few drops of dilute nitric acid and shake.

2. Add a few drops of silver nitrate.

• If chloride ions are present then a white precipitate of silver chloride will form.

1. Add a few drops of dilute hydrochloric acid and shake.

2. Add a few drops of barium chloride solution.

• A white precipitate of barium sulphate will form if sulphate ions are present.