Element analysis: in this laboratory, we chose to use the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry because it is highly sen

Element analysis: in this laboratory, we chose to use the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry because it is highly sensitive and capable of the determination of range of metals and several non-metals at concentrations below one part in 10¹². It is based on coupling together inductively coupled plasma as a method of producing ions (ionization) with a mass spectrometer as a method of separating and detecting the ions.
Qualitative Analysis: Unlike covalent compounds, which can be indentified using physical properties like boiling point and refractive index, ionic compounds are more appropriately identified with their chemical properties. In the qualitative analysis procedure, the chemical properties of an unknown substance are determined by systematically reacting the unknown with a number of different reagents. By predetermining what the particular reaction will produce if a specific ion is present, the ions that actually are in the solution can be identified.
Flame tests: Very few metal ions produce flame colors. Those that do, however, can easily be identified. Dip a new piece of nichrome wire into some concentrated hydrochloric acid. Next dip the end of the wire into the solid to be tested. This procedure produces a small amount of the chloride of the metal on the wire tip. This chloride will vaporize in the flame when the tip of the wire is put into it.

Metal Ion

Flame Colour

Sodium

Copper

Calcium

Potassium

Strontium

Barium

Lead

Persistent yellow

Blue/green

A "flash" of red/orange

Faint purple/lilac

Crimson

Light green

Pale bluish

Anion Tests	Reagent
Cl-	HCl ( to eliminate carbonate ions) and then AgNO_3,, precipitate will form
CO₃^- and HCO₃^-	HCL, gas produced turns Ca(OH)₂ milky. Then add phenolphthalein to distinguish carbonate and bicarbonate.
NO₃^-	FeSO₄. Special ring will form.
SO₄^2- and SO₃^2-	BaCl₂, precipitate will form. Then add HCl, if precipitate still remains, SO₄^2-will be indicated. If precipitate dissolves, SO₃ will be indicated.