A student is testing a solution of an unknown ionic compound, Y.
They add a few drops of sodium hydroxide solution to the sample and observe a white precipitate.
Describe how the student can distinguish whether the compound contains aluminium ions (Al3+Al^{3+}Al3+) rather than magnesium ions (Mg2+Mg^{2+}Mg2+) using only the sodium hydroxide solution.
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.
