13.2.4

Testing Cations

Test yourself

Testing Cations

You can test solid cations using flame tests. The test allows you to identify the metal ions present in a single ionic compound.

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Flame test practical

  1. Clean a nichrome wire loop by submerging (completely covering) it in dilute hydrochloric acid.
  2. Dip the wire loop into the sample to be tested.
  3. Hold the wire loop in the blue flame of a Bunsen burner.
  4. Record the colour of the Bunsen flame.
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Results

  • Lithium ions (Li+) will burn with a crimson flame.
  • Sodium ions (Na+) will burn with a yellow flame.
  • Potassium ions (K+) will burn with a lilac flame.
  • Calcium ions (Ca2+) will burn with an orange-red flame.
  • Copper (II) ions (Cu2+) will burn with a green flame.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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