Lab #

Title: Qualitative Analysis

Aim: To identify ions present in solution X

Apparatus/Materials:
Four test tubes, test tube rack, test tube holder, five 10cm3 beakers, silver nitrate solution, dilute
hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, aqueous ammonia, sample of X

Method/Observations/Inferences:

Test Observations Inferences

Test 1:
A dry sample of X was heated
in a boiling tube.

Sample X was dissolved in

distilled water and divided into
five parts
Test 2:

AgNO3(aq) was added to one

portion.

Test 3:

a) BaCl2(aq) was added to

another portion.

b) HCL(aq) was then added

to that same portion.
Test 4:

a) To another portion,
NaOH(aq) was added
Dropwise;

In excess

b) The mixture was

warmed gently
Test 5:

To another portion,
NH4OH(aq) was added
 Dropwise;

In excess

Test 6:

To the last portion KI(aq) was

added.

Inferences:
Cations: Anions:
NH4+ SO42-
Al3+

Compound:
NH4Al(SO4)2

Precautions:
1. PPE was worn.
2. Apparatus was cleaned after each test.

Sources of Error:
1. Sample would have melted slightly during heating which affected the dissolving
process.
2. Incorrect measurements would have lead to incorrect results.

Discussion:
Qualitative analysis is a method to identify the components or qualities of a substance, mixture, or subject
using non-numeric or non-quantifiable indicators. In the case of this experiment, we are presented with an
unknown sample and we mixed this sample with different compounds, analysed and inferred the results of
each in order to create an estimated guess on the composition. We focused on the solubility, reactivity and
properties of each product to reach the conclusion on the composition.

Reflection:
Qualitative analysis is not only confined to the lab however, as in real life, forensic scientists may use
qualitative chemical analysis to identify substances left at crime scenes, which can be vital in convicting
criminals. Through the conduction of this lab, the importance of qualitative analysis and testing to
determine unknown chemicals became clear to me.

Conclusion:
The cations, NH4+ and Al3+ , and anions, SO42-, were successfully found and the compound was concluded
to be NH4Al(SO4)2 .