TESTS FOR ANIONS AND CATIONS

To prepare solution, dissolve about 1 spatula full of ionic salt in approximately 25cm3 of distilled water
in a beaker. If it does not dissolve, add dilute nitric acid, noting any reaction.

Test for cations Observation Inference

Add a few drops of NaOH (aq)
to about 1cm3 of solution.
Observe.
Add excess NaOH (aq) to the
solution. Observe.

Add a few drops of NH3 (aq) to

about 1cm3 of solution. Observe.
Add excess NH3 (aq) to the
solution. Observe.

Take a nichrome wire loop and

clean it by dipping it into HCl
acid. Remove and rinse with
distilled water. Dip clean loop
into powder of ionic salt and
place sample in the clear blue
part of the flame. Observe.

Test for anions Observation Inference

Add a few drops of nitric acid to
acidify solution. Then, add a few
drops of Pb2+ (aq) to about 1cm3
of solution. Observe.

Add a few drops of nitric acid to

acidify solution. Then, add a few
drops of Ag+ (aq) to about 1cm3
of solution. Observe.
Add excess NH3 (aq) to the
solution. Observe.

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Add a few drops of nitric acid to
acidify solution. Then, add a few
drops of Ba2+ (aq) to about 1cm3
of solution. Observe. Add excess
HCl (aq). Observe.

Add a few drops of NaOH (aq)

and then a small piece of
aluminium foil to solution. Warm
boiling tube carefully. Hold
damp red litmus paper over
mouth of test tube.

Add 1cm3 of HCl (aq) to half a

spatula of powder of ionic salt.
Fit boiling tube with stopper and
delivery tube. Add 3cm3 of
limewater to a test tube and place
at other end of delivery tube.
Warm carefully.

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