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Qualitative tests are used to identify ions - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2016 - Paper 1

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Qualitative tests are used to identify ions. (a) A student carries out a flame test on an unknown solid. A red flame is seen. The student concludes that the solid i... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Qualitative tests are used to identify ions - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2016 - Paper 1

Step 1

Explain why this conclusion is not justified.

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Answer

The conclusion that the solid is lithium carbonate based solely on the observation of a red flame is not justified because many different ions can produce a red flame in a flame test. Specifically, lithium compounds are known to produce a crimson-red flame, but sodium and strontium can also appear red under certain conditions. Thus, the presence of a red flame does not definitively indicate lithium carbonate.

Step 2

Give the name and formula of the substance.

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Answer

The substance is sodium chloride, with the formula NaCl.

Step 3

Why is it necessary to add dilute nitric acid in this test?

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Answer

B Nitrate ions are needed for the test to work. The addition of nitric acid helps to remove any carbonate ions or other interfering ions, ensuring that the test for chloride ions using silver nitrate can proceed without complications.

Step 4

Describe the test to show the gas is ammonia.

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Answer

To test for ammonia gas, bring a damp red litmus paper close to the gas. If ammonia is present, it will turn the damp red litmus paper blue, indicating its basic nature.

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