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darc x
31/10/2025
Chemistry
identifying ions
204
•
31 Oct 2025
•
Fun Chemistry: Silver Nitrate Tests and Colorful Flame Experiments
darc x
@darcxalex
Chemical Tests for Identifying Ions and Gases
This page provides a comprehensive overview of various chemical tests used to identify specific ions and gases in laboratory settings. These tests are essential knowledge for GCSE and A-level chemistry students.
Carbon Dioxide Test
The test for carbonate ions involves collecting the gas and bubbling it through limewater.
Definition: Limewater is a saturated solution of calcium hydroxide.
If carbon dioxide is present, the limewater will turn cloudy or milky.
Halide Test
Silver nitrate test for halides is a crucial method for identifying halide ions. The procedure involves adding dilute nitric acid followed by silver nitrate solution.
Highlight: The presence of a precipitate indicates a halide, with different colors corresponding to specific halides:
- Chloride: White precipitate
- Bromide: Cream precipitate
- Iodide: Yellow precipitate
Vocabulary: Precipitate - A solid that forms and separates from a solution during a chemical reaction.
Carbonate Test
Carbonates can be identified by their reaction with dilute acids, such as hydrochloric acid. This test for carbonates A Level Chemistry students should know involves observing two key indicators:
- The release of carbon dioxide gas
- The creation of fizz
Example: When a carbonate reacts with hydrochloric acid, it produces carbon dioxide, which turns limewater cloudy.
Oxygen Test
To test for the presence of oxygen, a glowing splint is inserted into the gas. If oxygen is present, the splint will relight.
Sulfate Test
Test for sulfate ions, a Level Chemistry involves adding dilute hydrochloric acid followed by barium chloride solution. If sulfate ions are present, a white precipitate will form.
Highlight: The formation of a white precipitate specifically indicates the presence of sulfate ions.
Chlorine Test
To test for chlorine gas, damp blue litmus paper is held over the gas. If chlorine is present, the paper will bleach, turning from blue to white or red.
Flame Test
The flame test colors for metal ions gcse is a method used to identify certain metal ions based on the characteristic color they impart to a flame.
Example: Flame test colors:
- Lithium: Crimson
- Sodium: Yellow
- Potassium: Lilac
- Calcium: Orange-red
- Copper: Green
Sodium Hydroxide Test
This test is used to identify metal ions by forming metal hydroxide precipitates. The color of the precipitate indicates the specific metal ion present.
Highlight: Precipitate colors in sodium hydroxide test:
- Aluminium: White (dissolves in excess NaOH)
- Calcium: White
- Magnesium: White
- Copper: Blue
- Iron(II): Green
- Iron(III): Brown
Quote: "If sodium hydroxide is added in excess, aluminium hydroxide precipitate goes clear."
These tests form the foundation of qualitative analysis in chemistry, allowing students to identify unknown substances based on their chemical properties and reactions.
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Anna
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Basil
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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Sudenaz Ocak
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Fun Chemistry: Silver Nitrate Tests and Colorful Flame Experiments
darc x
@darcxalex
This document covers various chemical tests for identifying ions and gases in laboratory settings, crucial for GCSE and A-level chemistry students.
- Flame test colors for metal ions gcse and other tests are described for identifying specific elements and compounds.
- Tests... Show more
Chemical Tests for Identifying Ions and Gases
This page provides a comprehensive overview of various chemical tests used to identify specific ions and gases in laboratory settings. These tests are essential knowledge for GCSE and A-level chemistry students.
Carbon Dioxide Test
The test for carbonate ions involves collecting the gas and bubbling it through limewater.
Definition: Limewater is a saturated solution of calcium hydroxide.
If carbon dioxide is present, the limewater will turn cloudy or milky.
Halide Test
Silver nitrate test for halides is a crucial method for identifying halide ions. The procedure involves adding dilute nitric acid followed by silver nitrate solution.
Highlight: The presence of a precipitate indicates a halide, with different colors corresponding to specific halides:
- Chloride: White precipitate
- Bromide: Cream precipitate
- Iodide: Yellow precipitate
Vocabulary: Precipitate - A solid that forms and separates from a solution during a chemical reaction.
Carbonate Test
Carbonates can be identified by their reaction with dilute acids, such as hydrochloric acid. This test for carbonates A Level Chemistry students should know involves observing two key indicators:
- The release of carbon dioxide gas
- The creation of fizz
Example: When a carbonate reacts with hydrochloric acid, it produces carbon dioxide, which turns limewater cloudy.
Oxygen Test
To test for the presence of oxygen, a glowing splint is inserted into the gas. If oxygen is present, the splint will relight.
Sulfate Test
Test for sulfate ions, a Level Chemistry involves adding dilute hydrochloric acid followed by barium chloride solution. If sulfate ions are present, a white precipitate will form.
Highlight: The formation of a white precipitate specifically indicates the presence of sulfate ions.
Chlorine Test
To test for chlorine gas, damp blue litmus paper is held over the gas. If chlorine is present, the paper will bleach, turning from blue to white or red.
Flame Test
The flame test colors for metal ions gcse is a method used to identify certain metal ions based on the characteristic color they impart to a flame.
Example: Flame test colors:
- Lithium: Crimson
- Sodium: Yellow
- Potassium: Lilac
- Calcium: Orange-red
- Copper: Green
Sodium Hydroxide Test
This test is used to identify metal ions by forming metal hydroxide precipitates. The color of the precipitate indicates the specific metal ion present.
Highlight: Precipitate colors in sodium hydroxide test:
- Aluminium: White (dissolves in excess NaOH)
- Calcium: White
- Magnesium: White
- Copper: Blue
- Iron(II): Green
- Iron(III): Brown
Quote: "If sodium hydroxide is added in excess, aluminium hydroxide precipitate goes clear."
These tests form the foundation of qualitative analysis in chemistry, allowing students to identify unknown substances based on their chemical properties and reactions.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user