English National Curriculum - Science

Testing for positive ions

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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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

cation

a positively charged ion (an atom or group of atoms that has lost electrons)

flame test

a test where a sample is heated in a flame to observe the colour produced, which helps identify certain metal ions

ions

atoms or groups of atoms that have gained or lost electrons, giving them an electric charge

metal hydroxide

a compound formed when a metal ion reacts with hydroxide ions (OH⁻), often forming a coloured precipitate in solution

precipitate

a solid that forms when two solutions react together; it appears as a cloudy or powdery solid in the liquid

This lesson has been written by

Sarah Mintey MBE

Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.

Sarah is delighted to be working with over 6500 UK schools and clients such as the Royal Horticulture Society, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, BEIS, National Nuclear Labs, Anglian Water and the Ministry of Defence.

Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020. 

Samantha Batch

Samantha is a dedicated and accomplished science educator with over 15 years of leadership experience in the field, coupled with a strong background in scientific analysis. She has a proven track record of strategically managing educational departments, driving operational efficiencies, and nurturing collaborative relationships with stakeholders. 

Samantha previously served as the Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor, Ilkley Grammar School, Ilkley with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 teaching experience and leadership. In addition to her teaching and leadership roles, she is also an examiner for AQA, providing her with valuable insight into assessment standards and exam specifications.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket, where she's enthusiastically honing her skills both on and off the pitch!

Required Resources

  • 2M HCl to clean the nichrome wire
  • Flame tests for Li, Na, K, Ca, Cu
  • NaOH tests with Al, Mg, Ca, Cu, Fe(II) Fe(III)
  • Wooden splints

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