4C: analysis of inorganic compounds

Question 1

how could carbonate / hydrogencarbonate ions be identified?

Answer 1

1) add dilute acid & observe for effervescence
2) bubble through limewater -> turns milky

Question 2

how could sulphate ions be identified?

Answer 2

1) add acid to react off any carbonate ions
2) add acidified BaCl2 -> white ppt

Question 3

how could ammonium ions be tested?

Answer 3

1) react with warm NaOH
2) identify NH3 by pungent smell / turns damp red litmus paper blue