Test For Ammonium ion

Question 1

How do you test for the ammonia ion

Answer 1

1. Place a few cm^3 of sodium hydroxide solution in a test tube, add a spatula measure of the solid sample and warm gently
2. Test any gas evolved using damp red litmus paper or damp universal indicator paper
3. Test any gas evolved using a glass rod dipped in concentrated hydrochloric acid

Question 2

What are the observations for a positive test

Answer 2

Pungent gas evolved
Damp indicator paper turns blue
White fumes with glass rod dipped in concentrated hydrochloric acid