Tests for positive ions

Flame tests

Lithium - Crimson red

Sodium - Yellow

Potassium - lilac

Calcium - Brick red

Barium - Cream

Adding NaOH forms a coloured precipitate

Eg. Ca + 2OH       Ca(OH)

Forms white precipitate

Eg. Fe + 3OH        Fe(OH)

Forms reddish brown precipitate

Ammonium Compounds

 - add NaOH to compound

 - if Ammonium is present then Ammonia gas is given off (smells)

Carbonates

Test for CO  using limewater

CO  present water goes cloudy

Also Heat compound and it will decompose to form a coloured precipitate

Copper -  Black

Zinc - Yellow

Sulfates

 - add dilute HCL

 - add Barium Chloride

White precipitate of Batrium sulfate forms if Sulfate is present

Halides

 - add nitric acid and silver nitrate solution

Chloride - White precipiate of silver chloride

Bromide - Cream precipitate of Silver Bromide

Iodine - yellow Precipitate

Nitrates

- add aluminium powder to compound

-  add NaOH to compound

If nitrate was present Ammonia is given off