analysis of water samples

• explain how to find the pH of water samples

  pour some into a test tube the add a few drops of universal indicator

  using a pH chart match the colour and record the pH
• how to test for sodium ions in a water sample

  do a flame test- if the flame turns yellow sodium ions are present
• how to test for chloride ions

  add a few drops of dilute nitric acid then a few drops of silver nitrate solution - a white precipitate will form if chloride ions are present
• how do you collect dissolved solids from a water sample

  • set up a bunsen burner with a tripod and gauze over it
  • place a beaker with water on top
  • then place a watch glass with your water sample
  • heat the sample until the water has evaporated and the salts are left behind
  • (or distillation)