A student tests an unknown solution, YYY, for halide ions by adding dilute nitric acid followed by silver nitrate solution.
The student records that a precipitate forms which looks 'off-white or very pale cream' in colour.
Explain why the halide ion in Y Y\,Y cannot be identified with certainty from this result.
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.
