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Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry practice

Paper 6 structured question: Identification of ions and gases

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6

Paper

3

Marks

Topic

Identification of ions and gases

Exam-style question

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Paper 6Alternative to PracticalPractical3 marks

Identifying cations using a flame test.

Method

Flame Test Procedure

To identify metal cations, a flame test is performed by heating a small sample of the metal salt on a clean wire loop in a Bunsen burner flame. The color of the flame is observed and recorded.

CationFlame Color
Lithium (Li⁺)Crimson
Sodium (Na⁺)Bright yellow
Potassium (K⁺)Lilac
Calcium (Ca²⁺)Orange-red
Barium (Ba²⁺)Green
Copper(II) (Cu²⁺)Blue-green
  1. a

    Describe the procedure for conducting a flame test, including any important safety precautions.

    Aim for approximately 3 distinct marking points.

    [3]

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Paper 6 structured question: Identification of ions and gases

Paper 6Alternative to PracticalPractical1 marks

Results Table

Flame Test Results

The following table shows the results of a flame test conducted on different metal cations.

CationFlame Color
Lithium (Li⁺)Crimson
Sodium (Na⁺)Bright yellow
Potassium (K⁺)Lilac
Calcium (Ca²⁺)Orange-red
Barium (Ba²⁺)Green
Copper(II) (Cu²⁺)Blue-green
  1. a

    Identify the flame color produced by copper(II) ions.

    Aim for approximately 1 distinct marking point.

    [1]