Chemical AnalysisHigh Exam FrequencyAQA

Tests for Ions

Revise Tests for Ions in Chemical Analysis for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 14 flashcards. This is a high-frequency exam topic, so students should expect to explain it clearly under timed conditions.

Study this topic

The Detective's Chemistry Toolkit

Introduction 2

Testing for Metal Ions (Cations)

Deep Dive 3

Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) Precipitate Tests

Diagram 4

Testing for Non-Metal Ions (Anions)

Deep Dive 5

How Precipitate Formation Works

How It Works 6

All Ion Tests: Full Reference

Comparison 7

Key Definitions

Definitions 8

Sequential Testing Strategy

Key Facts 9

Common Misconceptions

Misconceptions 10

Memory Aid

Memory Aid 11

Higher Tier: Additional Ion Tests

Higher Tier 12

Advantages of Instrumental Methods

Key Facts 13

Exam Focus

Exam Focus 14

Exam Tips for Ion Tests

Exam Tips 15

Knowledge Organiser: Ion Tests

Summary

Sample Flashcards

What is a precipitation reaction?

A reaction where two soluble ionic compounds react to form an insoluble precipitate. General form: A⁺(aq) + B⁻(aq) → AB(s)

How do you test for sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻)?

Add barium chloride solution + dilute HCl. White precipitate of BaSO₄ forms. Equation: Ba²⁺ + SO₄²⁻ → BaSO₄(s)

Exam questions for Tests for Ions

Which reagents are used to test for carbonate ions in a solution?

A. Add barium chloride solution, then dilute HCl
B. Add dilute acid, then test the gas with limewater
C. Add silver nitrate solution, then dilute HNO3
D. Add sodium hydroxide solution and warm

1 markfoundation

Describe how sodium hydroxide solution can be used to distinguish between iron(II) ions and iron(III) ions in solution, including the expected observations.

3 marksstandard

Want more? See all GCSE Chemistry exam questions by paper with full model answers and mark schemes.

exam-style questions

revision flashcards

Ready to revise Tests for Ions?

Get personalised daily study plans, adaptive quizzes, and spaced repetition flashcards.

Start revising free

Previous topic

Flame Tests

Next topic

Instrumental Analysis