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Chemical AnalysisMedium Exam FrequencyAQA

Tests for Ions

Revise Tests for Ions in Chemical Analysis for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 14 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should be part of a solid GCSE revision cycle.

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1

The Detective's Chemistry Toolkit

Introduction2

Testing for Metal Ions (Cations)

Deep Dive3

Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) Precipitate Tests

Diagram4

Testing for Non-Metal Ions (Anions)

Deep Dive5

How Precipitate Formation Works

How It Works6

All Ion Tests: Full Reference

Comparison7

Key Definitions

Definitions8

Sequential Testing Strategy

Key Facts9

Common Misconceptions

Misconceptions10

Memory Aid

Memory Aid11

Higher Tier: Additional Ion Tests

Higher Tier12

Exam Focus

Exam Focus13

Exam Tips for Ion Tests

Exam Tips14

Topic Summary: 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)

Sample Questions

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

20

exam-style questions

14

revision flashcards

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