A solid is known to be either magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, or aluminium chloride.
To identify the solid, a student dissolves a sample of it in distilled water and adds a few drops of sodium hydroxide solution. A white precipitate forms.
Based on this result, the student concludes that the solid must be magnesium chloride.
Explain why this conclusion may not be correct.
Practise Edexcel GCSE Chemistry Qualitative analysis: tests for ions with exam-style questions for Foundation and Higher tier. 127 questions, matched to the Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) specification and written in Paper 1 and Paper 2 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
