Chemistry Topic Practice

Metal Hydroxide Precipitates | GCSE Chemistry Practice

Sodium hydroxide can be used to identify metal ions by forming characteristic precipitates.

Which metal ion produces a blue precipitate with sodium hydroxide?

What is Metal Hydroxide Precipitates | Practice?

"A method of identifying metal cations by the color and solubility of the hydroxide they form."

Question 1

What color flame does a Sodium (Na+) ion produce?

Question 2

A student sees a lilac flame during a test. Which ion is present?

Question 3

Why can a flame test be unreliable if the sample is a mixture of ions?

Hydroxide Colors

Copper(II): Blue precipitate.

Iron(II): Green precipitate.

Iron(III): Brown precipitate.

Magnesium/Calcium/Aluminium: White precipitate (Aluminium redissolves in excess NaOH).

Exam Tip

Exam Fact: If you get a white precipitate that redissolves in excess NaOH, the ion MUST be Aluminium ($Al^{3+}$).

Want to improve faster?

The fastest way to improve your grade is to practise exam-style questions, identify your gaps, and focus only on what you don't know.

Start practising this topic
Instantly marked • No sign-up