Here’s a explanation:
1. Identifying Cations (Positive Ions)
- Flame Test: Different metals give different flame colors.
- Na⁺ → yellow, K⁺ → lilac, Ca²⁺ → brick red.
- Precipitation: Add specific chemicals to make a solid (precipitate) appear.
- Example: Ag⁺ forms white precipitate with HCl.
- Color Reactions: Some ions make colored solutions with special reagents.
- Fe³⁺ → blue color with potassium ferrocyanide.
2. Identifying Anions (Negative Ions)
- Halides (Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻): Add silver nitrate → forms white, cream, or yellow solid.
- Carbonates (CO₃²⁻): Add HCl → bubbles of CO₂ gas appear.
- Sulfates (SO₄²⁻): Add barium chloride → white solid forms.
- Nitrates (NO₃⁻): Brown ring test gives brown color.
In short:
- Cations → look for flame color, precipitate, or color reactions.
- Anions → look for precipitate, gas, or color reactions.