Chemical analysis Flashcards
What is a pure substance?
A substance that only contains one element or compound
How can you identify a pure substance?
By its melting/boiling point
How can you tell if a substance is impure?
If its melting/boiling point is over a range of temperatures
What is chromatography used for?
The separation of mixtures to identify their components
What is the stationary phase in chromatography?
The paper
What is the mobile phase in chromatography?
The water or solvent
How do you calculate the Rf value in chromatography?
Distance moved by substance / distance moved by solvent
How do you test for hydrogen?
A burning splint is held at the open end of a test tube of the gas, if hydrogen is present it will make a squeaky pop sound
How do you test for oxygen?
A glowing splint is inserted into a test tube of the gas, the splint will relight if oxygen is present
How do you test for carbon dioxide?
Bubbling the gas through limewater (calcium hydroxide), the limewater will turn from clear to cloudy if carbon dioxide is present
How do you test for chlorine?
Damp litmus paper is put into the gas, it will bleach and turn white if chlorine is present
What are the two ways you can test for metal ions?
Flame tests and drops of sodium hydroxide solution
What colour does each metal burn:
Lithium
Sodium
Potassium
Calcium
Copper
Crimson
Yellow
Lilac
Orange-red
Green
Why might a flame test not work?
If the substance is impure then some colours can be masked by other brighter colours
What is the method for a flame test?
1) Dip the end of the wire in concentrated hydrochloric acid and heat it in a bunsen flame to clean it
2) Put the wire into the solid/compound
3) Hold the wire in the flame to see what colour is produced