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Chem Lab Project 2 Essay

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Investigating the Determining Characteristics of Cations and Anions
Chem 111 Sec 560
Introduction: The purpose of this lab was to study the specific characteristics of cations and anions, and ultimately to be able to identify an unknown substance based on our studies and tests using the logic trees developed through the experiment. A logic tree is a graphical display of the findings from this lab which, through a series of yes/no questions, elimination tests, will help us to identify and unknown sample. This lab will result in 2 logic trees, one for identifying cations and the other, anions.
The lab was broken into three parts: Part 1 dealt with identifying a cation, Part 2 an …show more content…

The resulting color flashes were recorded. The cation solutions were then disposed of in the appropriate waste containers.
From the information in each of these tests, a Cation logic tree was formed for easy identification of unknown cations.
Part 2: Anion Analysis: The experiment was performed on 4 anions: chloride (Cl­), sulfate (SO42­), nitrate (NO3­), and carbonate (CO32­). A sample of each anion was prepared by placing 10 drops of each anion solution into a centrifuge tube. The tubes were labeled accordingly. The original color of the solution was recorded. The first test performed was an Anion Elimination Test, the Silver Nitrate
Test. 0.1 M AgNO3 was added dropwise to each tube until a precipitate was formed or 5 drops of 0.1
M AgNO3 were administered. First, 2 drops of 0.1 M AgNO3 was added to the tube containing Cl­ and the results recorded, noting the appearance (texture), color, and shape. This process was repeated for all the anions as follows: SO42­ : 20 drops, NO3­: 20 drops, CO32­: 1 drop of 0.1 M AgNO3 was added.
For each solution which formed a precipitate (Cl­,CO32­) the solution was centrifuged for 5 minutes and the supernatant was decanted; 5 drops of distilled water were added to both

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