AQA GCSE Chemistry contents

Unit 8 · Chemical Analysis

Identification of Ions [Chemistry only]

2 min read · part of the full Exam Guide

Flame tests for metal ions

  • Dip a clean nichrome wire (cleaned in hydrochloric acid) into the sample and hold it in a blue Bunsen flame. The colour identifies the metal ion
Metal ion Flame colour
Lithium, Li+\text{Li}^+ crimson
Sodium, Na+\text{Na}^+ yellow
Potassium, K+\text{K}^+ lilac
Calcium, Ca2+\text{Ca}^{2+} orange-red
Copper, Cu2+\text{Cu}^{2+} green
  • If the sample contains a mixture of ions, some colours can be masked by others, so the test may not work

Full Exam Guide

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In the full topic

  • Flame tests for metal ions
  • Sodium hydroxide test for metal ions
  • Tests for negative ions
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