Chemistry 12 · Chemistry · Lesson 3.2
Qualitative analysis — identifying ions
- Level
- Grade 12
- Reading time
- 11 min reading
- Review
- Last reviewed 2026-09-03
- Standard
- Accuracy standard
- Errata
Abstract
Using selective precipitation to identify ions.
Concept preview
What you will be able to do
- 01Explain the goal of qualitative analysis
- 02Use a solubility table to plan a selective precipitation
- 03Describe how confirming tests identify a separated ion
Qualitative analysis answers the question 'which ions are present in this solution?' — as opposed to quantitative analysis, which asks 'how much?'. It is a detective's craft: you cannot see the dissolved ions, so you must design tests whose visible results (a precipitate, a colour, a gas) reveal what is there. The whole method is built on the solubility differences you studied in the previous section.
School Plan
Qualitative analysis — identifying ions
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