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Sodium ion flame test
A student investigated an aqueous solution of a salt. The student identified that the salt solution contained only sodium ions and chloride ions.
Describe a test to identify sodium ions. Give the result of the test.
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Marking points
- 1 Gives an accepted sodium-ion test: a flame test, or flame emission spectroscopy.
- 2 Gives the result paired with the stated test: yellow flame, or lines matching the sodium spectrum for FES.
Full-mark answer
Carry out a flame test on the solution. Sodium ions produce a yellow flame.
Why this answer loses marks
Heat the solution and look for a colour change in the liquid.
This does not name the flame test or give the characteristic flame observation for sodium ions.