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Predicting and Identifying Reactions

Tests for aqueous cations and anions

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 4

Overview

Using sodium hydroxide solution to identify calcium, copper(II), iron(II), iron(III) and zinc ions by their precipitates, telling calcium from zinc with excess reagent, the acid test for carbonate ions, acidified silver nitrate for chloride, bromide and iodide ions, the barium chloride test for sulfate ions, and why acid is added first in the halide and sulfate tests.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Describe the test for sulfate ions, what a positive result looks like, and why the barium chloride is acidified first.

Key term

Which reagent is added to a solution to test for calcium, copper, iron and zinc ions?

Key term

What is seen when sodium hydroxide solution is added to a solution containing calcium ions?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Which reagent is added to a solution to test for calcium, copper, iron and zinc ions?

    Model answer

    Sodium hydroxide solution, added drop by drop and then in excess.

  2. 2

    What is seen when sodium hydroxide solution is added to a solution containing calcium ions?

    Model answer

    A white precipitate forms, and it does not dissolve when more sodium hydroxide is added.

  3. 3

    What is seen when sodium hydroxide solution is added to a solution containing copper(II) ions?

    Model answer

    A blue precipitate forms.

  4. 4

    What is seen when sodium hydroxide solution is added to a solution containing iron(II) ions?

    Model answer

    A green precipitate forms.

  5. 5

    What is seen when sodium hydroxide solution is added to a solution containing iron(III) ions?

    Model answer

    A red-brown, rust-coloured precipitate forms.

  6. 6

    What is seen when sodium hydroxide solution is added to a solution containing zinc ions?

    Model answer

    A white precipitate forms first, and it dissolves in excess sodium hydroxide to give a colourless solution.

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Chemical Reactions
Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
Global Challenges
Monitoring and Controlling Chemical Reactions

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AThe products sit at a higher energy level than the reactants.
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Sodium ions give a bright yellow flame colour.
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