Tests for anions

Question 1

How to test for carbonates

Answer 1

1) Add dilute hydrochloric acid to your test sample.
2) If carbonates are present then carbon dioxide will be released.
3) This can be tested for by bubbling it through limewater which will go cloudy if it is present.

Question 2

How to test for sulfates

Answer 2

1) Add HCL and Barium Chloride.

2) If sulfate ions are present, a white precipitate will be formed

Question 3

How to test for halides (chlorine, bromine, or iodine)

Answer 3

1) Add dilute nitric acid followed by silver nitrate solution.
2) Chloride ions will form a white precipitate of silver chloride.
3) Bromide ions will form a cream precipitate of silver bromide.
4) Iodide ions will form a yellow precipitate of silver iodide.