These both need to be identified to work out the identity of an unknown ionic compound. Cations can be identified with flame tests or precipitate tests using sodium hydroxide and ammonia solutions.

IntroductionSalt slurries in petri dishes with methanol are ignited and characteristic colors for various metals are observed. Colors of emission spectra are due to loosely-bound valence electrons ...

The lesson, which was led by Sam Cook, involved the students doing a flame test, and matching the flame colour with the right chemical to solve the case. Mr Cook, who has worked at the school for ...

Letter Published: 05 October 1876 The Flame of Chloride of Sodium in a Common Coal Fire EDWARD T. HARDMAN Nature 14, 506–507 (1876) Cite this article ...