English National Curriculum - Science
Mission Objectives
Describe how to carry out flame tests for positive ions
Explain why a flame test cannot be used to identify a mixture of metal solutions
Describe how sodium hydroxide can be used to identify some cations
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Words and meanings to learn
metal hydroxide
a compound formed when a metal ion reacts with hydroxide ions (OH⁻), often forming a coloured precipitate in solution
flame test
a test where a sample is heated in a flame to observe the colour produced, which helps identify certain metal ions
cation
a positively charged ion (an atom or group of atoms that has lost electrons)
ions
atoms or groups of atoms that have gained or lost electrons, giving them an electric charge
precipitate
a solid that forms when two solutions react together; it appears as a cloudy or powdery solid in the liquid
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