Tests for Negative Ions — GCSE Chemistry Revision
Revise Tests for Negative Ions for GCSE Chemistry. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
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Go to Flame TestsWhat is Tests for Negative Ions?
Negative ions (anions) can also be identified using specific chemical tests. These tests often involve the formation of a precipitate or the production of a gas. For example, carbonate ions are tested for using acid, while halide ions are tested for using silver nitrate.
Board notes: The tests for carbonate, sulfate, and halide ions are required knowledge for all exam boards. You must know the reagents, conditions, and expected results for each test.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
To test for chloride ions (Cl⁻) in a solution, first add a few drops of dilute nitric acid, then add a few drops of silver nitrate solution. If chloride ions are present, a white precipitate of silver chloride (AgCl) will form.
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Common mistakes
- 1Forgetting to add nitric acid before testing for halide ions. This is essential to remove any carbonate ions that might also form a precipitate with silver nitrate, giving a false positive result.
- 2Confusing the colours of the silver halide precipitates. Silver chloride is white, silver bromide is cream, and silver iodide is yellow.
- 3Mixing up the tests for sulfate and sulfite ions. Sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻) are tested for with barium chloride and hydrochloric acid, forming a white precipitate.
Tests for Negative Ions exam questions
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Tests for Negative Ions
Core concept
Negative ions (anions) can also be identified using specific chemical tests. These tests often involve the formation of a precipitate or the production of a gas. For example, carbonate ions are tested…
Frequently asked questions
Why is nitric acid used before the halide test?
Nitric acid is added to acidify the solution and react with any carbonate ions present. If carbonate ions were not removed, they would form a white precipitate of silver carbonate, which would interfere with the test for chloride ions.
How do you test for carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻)?
To test for carbonate ions, add a dilute acid (like hydrochloric acid). If carbonate ions are present, the mixture will fizz and produce carbon dioxide gas, which can be tested with limewater.