NAME: .. PRAC No.: .

CLASS: ..

DATE: ..

IDENTIFICATION OF SALTS. This is a group activity. You will work with a partner, or perhaps have three in your group. You are supplied with samples of two salts in separate test tubes. Your task is to identify by means of a flame test what the positive ion of each salt is identify by means of chemical tests what the negative ion of each salt is. The samples supplied could be: Positive ion: sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, barium Negative ion: sulphate, carbonate, chloride, bromide, iodide You are also supplied with the following: nichrome wire, fused into a glass rod watch glass (or small beaker) concentrated hydrochloric acid dropper barium chloride solution dilute nitric acid ASSESSMENT: You will be assessed on your ability to work co-operatively in a group recording skill ability to sort and display data write up following of instructions ability to interpret data ability to draw conclusions AIMS: To carry out the flame test to identify the positive ion in each sample To carry out the tests for sulphates, carbonates and halides to identify the negative ion in each sample. silver nitrate solution Jik dilute hydrochloric acid xylene a rack with test tubes spatula

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Take notes when the procedures are discussed in class so that you will be able to carry out the tests with confidence. 2. Study the flow diagrams carefully as they show the order of the procedures to be carried out. 3. Carry out the tests. 4. Record all the results that you obtain. 5. Write a report on your findings, stating clearly the procedures followed. The write-up should include Aim; Apparatus; Procedure; Results and observations; Interpretation; Conclusions. Any reaction that occurred must be accompanied by a balanced equation. 6. Consult the rubrics to ensure that you have satisfied all the requirements.

PROCEDURE: Flame Tests for positive ion: Adjust a bunsen flame to non-luminous. Place a few drops (small quantity) of conc. HCl in the watch glass (or small beaker). Place a few crystals of the unknown salt next to the acid in the watch glass. Clean nichrome wire by placing in acid, then flame. Repeat until wire imparts no colour to flame. Dip the nichrome wire into the acid, then into the salt, then into the bunsen flame. Note the colour. Dip the wire into the acid, then into the flame until no further colour is noticeable. Wash and dry the watch glass, then proceed with the next test. Colours: Sodium Bright yellow/orange Potassium Lilac Copper Blue-green Calcium Brick-red Barium Yellow-green Chemical tests for negative ion: The following flow diagram may be used: Divide each salt into three approximately equal amounts in separate test tubes. Make a solution of each salt by adding enough water to half-fill the test tube. Shake until dissolved. 1. Solution of salt Add barium chloride solution a precipitate forms Salt is a sulphate or a carbonate Add dilute nitric acid no precipitate forms

Salt is not a sulphate or a carbonate

the precipitate dissolves with effervescence (bubbling)

the precipitate does not dissolve

Salt is a carbonate

Salt is a sulphate

2.

Now use a new solution of each salt. Solution of salt Add silver nitrate solution
White ppt. indicates chloride or carbonate. Cream/yellow ppt. indicates bromide or iodide

A precipitate forms Salt is a halide or a carbonate

no precipitate forms Salt is not a halide nor a carbonate

Add dilute nitric acid

The precipitate dissolves Salt is a carbonate

Precipitate does not dissolve Salt is a halide {carry out the next test to determine which halide it is}

3.

Now use a new solution of each salt Solution of salt Add xylene and chlorine water
To make chlorine water add dilute HCl to Jik

xylene stays clear

xylene turns brown

xylene turns purple

Salt is a chloride

Salt is a bromide

Salt is an iodide

NAME ...

CLASS . ASSESSMENT RUBRICS

DATE ..

IDENTIFICATION OF SALTS
Group work skill CRITERIA Works individually only Works in a group, but does not participate fully Works effectively with others, but not with full confidence Works effectively and systematically and maintains a calm and confident approach. Assists others and performs practical without needing instruction. Knows exactly what to do. Recording skill CRITERIA Sort and display data Little effort made to display data in logical, tabular form Tabular presentation attempted but errors made Data presented in a logical and tabular form, but with an error or an omission All data presented in a logical, tabular form without error CRITERIA Write-up Poor presentation, layout confusing Presentation adequate. Material either incomplete or not well organised. Material clearly and systematically organised. Excellent presentation. Material organised systematically and clearly, so as to ensure complete understanding. All equations correctly given. Ability to follow instructions CRITERIA Follows instructions step by step but only with assistance Follows instructions with limited assistance Succeeds in following instructions, but not without some assistance Carries out instructions in a logical and correct manner without any assistance Interpretation of data and drawing conclusions CRITERIA Is incorrect in the identification of the positive and negative ions Makes an error in the interpretation and identification Is fully correct in the identification of both salts Explanation ability CRITERIA Inadequate explanation provided Most observations explained, but with error or omission All observations clearly explained Competency level 1 2 3 (3) Mark achieved: Competency level 1 2 3 4 (4) Competency level 1 2 3 4 (4) Competency level 1 2 3 (3) Competency level 1 2 3 4 (4) Competency level 1 2 3 4

(4)

Total Marks: 22

Sample results from this experiment:

Sample salt No. 1: Flame colour: lilac When BaCl2 added no ppt.(precipitate) formed. When AgCl is added white ppt. formed. When dil. HNO3 added ppt. dissolves. 1. Name the salt. 2. Give the formula of the salt. Sample salt No. 2: Flame colour: blue-green. When BaCl2 added no ppt formed. When AgCl added to new soln. ppt formed. When dil. HNO3 added ppt does not dissolve. When xylene and chlorine water added to new solution xylene turns brown. 1. Name the salt. 2. Give the formula of the salt. 3. What is the probable colour of the salt? Sample salt No. 3: Flame colour: bright orange/yellow When BaCl2 added ppt. Formed. When dil. HNO3 added ppt. Does not dissolve. 1. Name the salt. 2. Give the formula of the salt. Sample salt No. 4: Flame colour: lilac When BaCl2 added no ppt formed. When AgCl added to new solution. ppt formed. When dil. HNO3 added ppt does not dissolve. When xylene and chlorine water added to new solution xylene turns purple. 1. Name the salt. 2. Give the formula of the salt.