tests for cations and anions

Question 1

how can you test for cations

Answer 1

Add sodium hydroxide solution, the colour of the precipitate or colour of litmus paper will reveal the metal cation

Question 2

how can you test for ammonium ions

Answer 2

add solution of sodium hydroxide, the colour of damp red litmus paper will turn blue

Question 3

how to test for Cu ions (ii) (copper)

Answer 3

add solution of sodium hydroxide, the precipitate formed will be light blue

Question 4

how to test for iron (ii) iron 2+

Answer 4

add solution of sodium hydroxide the precipitate formed will be green

Question 5

how to test for iron (iii) 3+

Answer 5

add solution of sodium hydroxide the precipitate formed will be red - brown

Question 6

How to test for Carbonate (CO3^2-)

Answer 6

Add dilute acid and test the gas released. Effervescence, gas produced is CO2 which turns limewater cloudy

Question 7

How to test for Chloride (Cl-)

Answer 7

Acidify with dilute nitric acid and add aqueous silver nitrate. White precipitate formed

Question 8

How to test for Bromine (Br-

Answer 8

Acidify with nitric acid and add aqueous silver nitrate. Cream precipitate formed.

Question 9

How to test for Iodide (I-)

Answer 9

Acidify with nitric acid and add
aqueous silver nitrate. Yellow precipitate formed

Question 10

How to test for Sulfate (SO4^2-) ions

Answer 10

Acidify with nitric acid and add aqueous barium nitrate. White precipitate formed