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Introduction
Many times a chemist is asked about the composition of a
substance. Classically the sample is dissolved (sometimes not a
very simple task) and then tested with some specific reactions.
For instance, suppose some old bags in a depot are known to be
either sodium sulphate or sodium chloride. To decide which the
substance in the bag is, a sample is dissolved in water and the
tests described in the chart for sulphate and for chloride are
carried out in different test tubes. According to the results the
samples can be easily identified.
Aims
To observe some specific tests for cations and anions.
Apparatus
Test tubes and test tube racks, teat pipettes. Nichrome wire loop for flame tests, Bunsen
burner.
Procedures
The cations and tests to be carried on them are listed at the end of this paper. The following
are just general working procedures.
b- As you should carry out two or three tests prepare three test tubes with the sample: the
first one is just to show how the solution originally looks like so that you can you can
compare and see if there has been any change. The other two for the “normal” and the
“excess” tests.
c- The specific reactive you are testing with (sodium hydroxide solution or dilute
ammonia) will be added drop wise (2 or 3 drops unless otherwise indicated).
d- If you have to test with excess of reactive solution then add 1 ml. If there is no
change, try a further 1ml addition and no more.
e- Write down any changes you notice in the corresponding boxes of the tables. Maybe
you have to smell carefully the vapours coming out from the test tube
2- FLAME TESTS
a- The Bunsen burner’s flame should be blue (air vents open) and the metallic
(platinum or more frequently nichrome alloy) loop placed on the tip of the blue
inner cone of the flame.
b- First, wash the loop dipping it into hydrochloric acid, rinsing with distilled water
and checking the flame is no longer coloured, so you are sure the test is not
“invalidated” by any previous experiments.
b- In the test for nitrates aluminium foil should be added using tongs and the ammonia
vapours smelled carefully waving the vapours coming out from the test tube with
your hand and to your nose. Never ever smell a test tube putting your nose into it.
TESTS FOR CATIONS: RESULTS
FLAME TESTS:RESULTS
Potassium
Calcium
Copper