Ion Tests Flashcards
What are the different tests for metal cations?
- flame test
- (flame photometry/ flame emission spectroscopy)
- precipitation reactions
- ammonium ion test
What cations can the flame test indicate?
- Lithium (Li+)
- Sodium (Na+)
- Potassium (K+)
- Calcium (Ca2+)
- Copper (Cu2+)
What colour will lithium cations show in a flame test?
Red (crimson)
What colour will sodium cations show in a flame test?
Yellow
What colour will potassium cations show in a flame test?
Lilac
What colour will calcium cations show in a flame test?
Orange-red
What colour will copper cations show in a flame test?
Blue-green
Why might the instrumental method - a flame photometer - be used instead of the flame test to recognise the cations?
- speed
- sensitivity (detect tiny amounts)
- accuracy
(It overcomes problems of comparing similar ones, when low concentration + when samples contain multiple metal cations)
What does flame photometry involve?
A spectroscope - detects individual wavelengths emitted (which are unique to each) which are emitted when the metal cations are heated
What does the intensity (dull/bright) of lines indicate in flame photometry?
The concentration of the metal cation
What can be used (with flame photometry) to identify cations + their concentrations in unknown samples?
Known metal cation spectra
What does a calibration curve allow us to determine?
The concentration of a substance in an unknown sample by comparing the unknown to a set of standard samples
What are precipitation reactions used to identify?
Dissolved metal cations - they produce precipitates
What does a precipitation reaction involve?
Sodium hydroxide solution is added to test solutions to produce a hydroxide precipitate
What cations can a precipitation reaction be used to identify?
- Iron (II) (Fe2+)
- Iron (III) (Fe3+)
- Copper (Cu2+)
- Calcium (Ca2+)
- Aluminium (Al3+)