A geologist uses flame tests to identify the metal ion in two mineral samples, X and Y. Each sample contains one type of metal ion. The geologist uses a clean nichrome wire loop and a blue Bunsen flame, and also tests some known compounds in the same way.
| Sample | Flame colour |
|---|---|
| X | Red |
| Y | Orange-red |
Identify the metal ion in sample X and the metal ion in sample Y.
Explain why testing known compounds in the same way helps the geologist to identify the ions in X and Y.
107 exam-style questions on OCR GCSE Chemistry 4.2 Identifying the products of chemical reactions, covering 4.2.1 Tests to identify gases, 4.2.2 Tests for aqueous ions and flame tests, and 4.2.3 Instrumental methods of analysis. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.