Fingerprint analysis is a common forensic technique used to identify individuals based on unique patterns on their fingertips.
The flame test is used to visually determine the identity of an unknown metal or metalloid ion based on the characteristic color the salt turns the flame of a Bunsen burner.
The heat of the flame excites the electrons of the metals ions, causing them to emit visible light.
Every element has a signature emission spectrum that can be used to differentiate between one element and another.
Precipitation reactions occur when cations and anions in aqueous solution combine to form an insoluble ionic solid called a precipitate.
Whether or not such a reaction occurs can be determined by using the solubility rules for common ionic solids.
The ability to predict these reactions allows scientists to determine which ions are present in a solution, and allows industries to form chemicals by extracting components from these reactions.
A precipitate will make the solution cloudy. If the solution is transparent, there is no visible precipitate.
