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The Chemical Educator
ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)
Abstract Volume 8
Issue 3 (2003) pp 195-198
Qualitative Analysis of Common Cations and Anions in Water Samples: An Experiment for Nonscience Majors
Kevin D. Crawford* and Michael B. Ellisor
Department of Chemistry, The Citadel, 171 Moultrie St. Charleston,
SC 29409, crawfordk@citadel.edu
Received December 3, 2002. Accepted January 2, 2003
Published online: 25 April 2003
Abstract. In this paper we describe a new qualitative analysis laboratory experiment involving cations and anions commonly found in natural water samples. Simple separation techniques are used followed by precipitation or color-complex formation as confirmation tools. Our students perform this as a limited discovery experiment, working through the procedures with a mixture of all species to determine the appearance of a positive result, then conducting the tests with an instructor-prepared unknown and a natural water sample. In our course, the anion portion was also used as an assessment tool. Acid–base chemistry, solubility, complex formation, and oxidation–reduction are all illustrated in this experiment.
Key Words: Laboratories and Demonstrations; quantitative analysis; instrumental analysis; qualitative analysis, natural water samples
(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: crawfordk@citadel.edu)
Article in PDF format (308 K B) HTML format
Issue date: June
1, 2003
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