Testing for Carbonates and Sulfates

• How to test for Carbonates

  1.Add your sample into a test tube

  2.Use a dropping pippete to add hydrochloric acid

  3.If carbonate ions are present, limewater will turn coudy
• How to test for Sulfates

  1.Use a dropping pipette to add a few drops of dilute hydrochloric acid.

  2.Add a few drops of barium chloride

  3. If sulfate ions are presents, a white preciptate will form
• How to test for Chlorine ions?

  1.Add a few drops of dilute nitric acid

  2.Add a few drops of silver nitrate solution

  3.If chlorine ions are present, a white precipitate will form

  (silver chloride)
• How to test for Bromide ions?

  1.Add a few drops of dilute nitric acid

  2.Add a few drops of silver nitrate solution

  3.If bromide ions are present, a cream precipitate will form

  (silver bromide)
• How to test for Iodide ions?


  1.Add a few drops of dilute nitric acid

  2.Add a few drops of silver nitrate solution

  3.If iodide ions are present, a yellow precipitate will form

  (silver iodide)