GCSE Chemistry Required Practical: Identifying Unknown Compounds
Contents
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Use a variety of chemical tests to identify the ions in ionic compounds.
Method
Flame Test
- Dip the end of an Inoculation Loop into concentrated Hydrochloric Acid.
- Place the end of the Inoculation Loop into the powdered metal compound.
- Hold the end of the Inoculation Loop in a roaring blue Bunsen Burner flame.
- Observe and record the colour of the flame.
- Use the following table to identify the metal ion.
| Metal Ion | Flame Colour |
| Lithium | Red |
| Sodium | Orange |
| Potassium | Lilac (Purple) |
| Calcium | Orange-red |
| Barium | Brown-green |
| Copper | Green-blue |
| Lead | Blue |