Tests for Cations

Testing for Cations

Cations are positive ions, such as Na+ or Ca2+

Flame tests identify metal ions:

• Lithium, Li+, burns with a red flame
• Sodium, Na+ burns with a yellow-orange flame
• Potasium, K+, burns with a lilac flame
• Calcium, Ca2+, burns with a brick-red flame
• Barium, Ba2+, burns with a green flame

Some metals form a coloured precipitate with NaOH:

- Many metal…