Qualitative analysis

Question 1

How do you test for carbonates

Answer 1

Add dilute Nitric acid, fizzing will occur. This should be cO2 which you can test for using limewater

Question 2

How do you test for sulphates

Answer 2

Add Nitric Acid to remove any carbonates, then add barium chloride , if a white precipitate forms you know that a sulpahte is present

Question 3

How to test for halides

Answer 3

Add NITRIC ACID not HCl and a precipitate will form

White — Chloride
Cream __ Bromide
Yellow —- Iodide

Chloride dissolves in dilute NH3
Bromide dissolves in conc NH3

Question 4

Test for ammonium compounds

Answer 4

Ammonium gass is alkaline so you can check using damp litmus paper

Add NaOH and heat gently, ammonium glass should be released the litmus paper should go from red to blue