Introduction to Section 2g Tests for Ions

Complete the following table to show which compounds have ionic bonding and which have
covalent.

Remember: Metal + Non-metal = ionic Non-metal + Non-metal = Covalent

Ionic Covalent

Sodium Chloride (NaCl) 

Magnesium oxide (MgO)

Ammonia (NH3)

Copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2)

Water

Ethanol (C2H5OH)

The following compounds are all ionic. Complete the table to show the ionic present.

Be careful with the charges on the ions.

Group 1 + Group 2 2+ Group 3 3+ Group 5 3- Group 6 2- Group 7 -

Molecular ions need to be learnt (nitrate, sulphate, carbonate, hydroxide, ammonium etc)

If you need to revise charges on ions and ionic formula this video is a good starting point:
http://goo.gl/30o5nb

Formula Metal ion Non-metal ion

Sodium Chloride NaCl Na+ Cl-

Copper Nitrate Cu(NO3)2 Cu2+ NO3-

Magnesium sulfate MgSO4

Potassium oxide

Calcium bromide

Calcium carbonate
Testing for ions
It is possible to determine the identity of a compound by carrying out tests to identify the ions
present.

You need to carry out two tests – one to identify the cation and one to identify the anion.

Testing for cations.

One way to test for cations (positive ions) is to use a flame test.

First please watch the following video: http://goo.gl/gWhzyw

Then answer the questions that follow:

1. Why does the nichrome wire need to heated in the roaring Bunsen flame until no colour is
produced before the experiment is carried out?

2. Where in the flame should the wire be placed once it has the sample on it?

3. What colour flame do the following ions produce?

a. Sodium ions

b. Potassium ions

c. Calcium ions

If the cation is a transition metal ion we can test for it using sodium hydroxide solution.

The colour of the precipitate formed can help us to identify the ion present.

Please watch this video and then answer the questions that follow: http://bit.ly/2s3IqQS

1. What is the colour of the precipitate formed when Cu2+ is present?

2. What is the colour of the precipitate formed when Fe2+ is present? What happens to it on
standing?

3. Give the formula of the precipitate formed when Fe2+ is present.

4. What is the colour of the precipitate formed when Fe3+ is present?

5. What is the term used to describe the process that happens when Fe(OH)2 changes to
Fe(OH)3?

6. What does ammonia do to red litmus paper?

Testing for Anions – Halide ions.
First watch the following video: http://goo.gl/k3Lbj3

Now answer the questions.

1. Name the three halide ions mentioned in the video

2. The solid sample is first dissolved. Some dilute nitric acid is then added. Why?

3. Give the colour of the precipitates when silver nitrate is added to solutions that contain the
following ions:

a. Chloride

b. Bromide

c. Iodide

4. Name the precipitate formed silver nitrate is added to a solution containing chloride ions.

5. Write the ionic equations for the formation of this precipiate.

6. Give the state symbol used for a precipitate.

The following video is very useful for revising ionic equations if you have forgotten how to write
them:

http://goo.gl/nQUJOj