Testing for ammonium ions

Question 1

How do we test for the ammonium ion?

Answer 1

= react with (aq) NaOh
= ammonium ion and hydroxide ion reacts together produces ammonia gas and water
= does not produce fizzing as ammonia is highly soluable in water
= but if we warm this up, the ammonia is released from solution to gas

Question 2

How do we detect ammonia gas?

Answer 2

= placing damp litmus paper near mouth of test tube
= litmus paper turns blue