Question

How can I identify ions in solutions?

Answer 1

Well, you would have to perform chemical tests to be sure.

Explanation:

Some common ions, such as halide ions, copper ions, zinc ions, and ammonium ions can be easily tested.

Halide ions will react with silver nitrate `(AgNO_3)` to give coloured precipitates of silver halides. For example, chloride ions will react with `AgNO_3` to give out silver chloride `(AgCl)`, which is an insoluble white precipitate.

Copper ions are usually in their `+2` state, and are blue in coloured solutions. To test for them, simply add some sodium hydroxide and a blue precipitate of copper(II) hydroxide `(Cu(OH)_2)`will form.

Of course, there are many other tests, and these are the basic ones.