The Qualitative Analysis of Ions section focuses on the systematic identification of cations and anions present in inorganic compounds using classical wet chemical methods . This module is designed for Class 11–12 students and undergraduate learners , with strong emphasis on reaction principles, observation-based identification, and practical exam relevance .
In this section, you will study:
Principles of qualitative inorganic analysis – group separation, selective precipitation, and confirmatory tests
Systematic analysis of cations – Group I to Group VI ions, group reagents, and characteristic reactions
Systematic analysis of anions – preliminary tests and confirmatory reactions for common anions
Role of solubility product (Ksp) in selective precipitation
Effect of common ion and pH control in group separation
Flame tests and dry tests – principles and color identification
Interfering ions and precautions during analysis
Flowcharts and tables for quick revision and systematic approach
NCERT- and UG-aligned explanations , supported by reaction equations, observation tables, MCQs, viva questions, and PYQs
The content is structured to build a logical and systematic approach , improve laboratory confidence , and prepare students for school practical exams, undergraduate labs, and viva voce .
Develop a strong practical and conceptual foundation in Qualitative Analysis of Ions to accurately identify unknown inorganic salts in Chemistry.
Q. In electrophoresis, what property of ions is primarily utilized for separation?
A.
Mass
B.
Charge
C.
Solubility
D.
Size
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Solution
Electrophoresis separates ions based on their charge, allowing them to migrate in an electric field.
Correct Answer:
B
— Charge
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Q. In flame tests, which color indicates the presence of sodium ions?
A.
Green
B.
Red
C.
Yellow
D.
Blue
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Solution
Sodium ions produce a bright yellow flame when subjected to a flame test.
Correct Answer:
C
— Yellow
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Q. In qualitative analysis, which reagent is commonly used to test for the presence of sulfate ions?
A.
Barium chloride
B.
Silver nitrate
C.
Hydrochloric acid
D.
Sodium hydroxide
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Solution
Barium chloride is used to test for sulfate ions, forming a white precipitate of barium sulfate.
Correct Answer:
A
— Barium chloride
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Q. What is the primary purpose of qualitative analysis in analytical chemistry?
A.
To determine the concentration of a substance
B.
To identify the components of a mixture
C.
To measure the physical properties of a substance
D.
To quantify the reaction rate
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Solution
Qualitative analysis is focused on identifying the components present in a sample rather than quantifying them.
Correct Answer:
B
— To identify the components of a mixture
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Q. What is the principle behind electrophoresis in qualitative analysis?
A.
Separation based on boiling point
B.
Separation based on charge and size
C.
Separation based on solubility
D.
Separation based on density
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Solution
Electrophoresis separates charged particles based on their size and charge when an electric field is applied.
Correct Answer:
B
— Separation based on charge and size
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Q. What is the principle behind using UV-Vis spectroscopy for qualitative analysis?
A.
It measures the mass of ions
B.
It detects the color of the solution
C.
It identifies functional groups based on absorbance
D.
It separates ions based on charge
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Solution
UV-Vis spectroscopy identifies compounds by measuring the absorbance of light at specific wavelengths, which correlates with functional groups.
Correct Answer:
C
— It identifies functional groups based on absorbance
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Q. What is the purpose of a titration in qualitative analysis?
A.
To determine the molecular weight of a compound
B.
To identify the endpoint of a reaction
C.
To measure the boiling point of a solution
D.
To separate components of a mixture
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Solution
Titration is used to identify the endpoint of a reaction, which can indicate the presence of specific ions.
Correct Answer:
B
— To identify the endpoint of a reaction
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Q. What is the role of a reagent in a qualitative analysis?
A.
To increase the temperature of the reaction
B.
To change the color of the solution
C.
To provide a specific reaction with the target ion
D.
To dilute the sample
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Solution
Reagents are used to react with specific ions to produce observable changes, aiding in their identification.
Correct Answer:
C
— To provide a specific reaction with the target ion
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Q. Which ion is indicated by a blue precipitate when treated with sodium hydroxide?
A.
Copper(II)
B.
Iron(III)
C.
Lead(II)
D.
Zinc
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Solution
Copper(II) ions form a blue precipitate of copper(II) hydroxide when treated with sodium hydroxide.
Correct Answer:
A
— Copper(II)
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Q. Which of the following is a common method for detecting cations in a solution?
A.
Spectrophotometry
B.
Electrophoresis
C.
Precipitation reactions
D.
Mass spectrometry
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Solution
Precipitation reactions are often used to identify cations by forming insoluble compounds that can be observed.
Correct Answer:
C
— Precipitation reactions
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Q. Which of the following is a common method for detecting cations in qualitative analysis?
A.
Mass Spectrometry
B.
Infrared Spectroscopy
C.
Precipitation Reactions
D.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
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Solution
Precipitation reactions are often used to identify cations by forming insoluble compounds with specific reagents.
Correct Answer:
C
— Precipitation Reactions
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Q. Which of the following techniques can be used to confirm the presence of chloride ions?
A.
Barium chloride test
B.
Silver nitrate test
C.
Sodium hydroxide test
D.
Calcium carbonate test
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Solution
The silver nitrate test is a classic method for confirming the presence of chloride ions, producing a white precipitate of silver chloride.
Correct Answer:
B
— Silver nitrate test
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Q. Which spectroscopy technique is most suitable for identifying functional groups in organic compounds?
A.
UV-Vis Spectroscopy
B.
NMR Spectroscopy
C.
Mass Spectrometry
D.
Infrared Spectroscopy
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Solution
Infrared Spectroscopy is effective for identifying functional groups due to the characteristic absorption of molecular vibrations.
Correct Answer:
D
— Infrared Spectroscopy
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Q. Which technique is commonly used for the qualitative analysis of anions?
A.
Gas Chromatography
B.
Thin Layer Chromatography
C.
Ion Chromatography
D.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
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Solution
Ion Chromatography is specifically designed for the separation and identification of ions in a solution.
Correct Answer:
C
— Ion Chromatography
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