tests for cations

• different metal ions produce different colours when they burn (flame test)
• lithium - crimson flame
• sodium ions - yellow flame
• potassium ions - lilac flame
• Calcium ions- orange/red flame
• copper ions - green flame
• in flame tests, if you try to test a sample with more than one metal in, the colours will mix and you wont be able to identify the metal ion
• 1. dip the inert wire loop into hydrochloric acid
  2. put into flame to clean
  3. put wire loop into unknown solution and stir
  4. put into flame
  5. observe initial colour