For the sulphate test, add dilutehydrochloricacid and then bariumchloride. The hydrochloric acid reacts with other ions to preventfalsepositives. The result is a milky white precipitate.
For the flame test, dip the nichrome wire into hydrochloric acid to clean off any excess. Then place into solid and into a roaring flame.
For ammonium, add sodiumhydroxide then warm. NH3 is produced which causes dampredlitmus to turn blue.
For cations, add sodium hydroxide.
For halides, add dilutenitricacid to react with other ions and then add silver nitrate.
In acid, phenophalin is colourless, in alkaline it is pink.
In acid, methyl orange is red, in alkaline its yellow.