Data Analysis:
The unknown solutions reacted as follows:
Unknown Solution #1 was determined to contain the cation:
Unknown Solution #2 was determined to contain the cation:
Conclusion:
The goal of this experiment was to determine the cations present in a solution or mixture of solutions via qualitative analysis (a means for determining the chemical composition of an unknown substance by systematically reacting the unknown substance with a number of different reagents).
Unknown Solution #1 was determined to contain the cation:
Unknown Solution #2 was determined to contain the cation:
Possible sources of error include:
- Contamination of test tubes, due to improper cleaning prior to the experiment
- Inaccuracies in pH measurement, due to lack of litmus paper
- Failure to follow directions
- Human error is always in effect, given that the laboratory does not function under ideal conditions. As such, there is always the possibility of inaccuracies with measurement, perception of measurement, inaccuracies of equipment, and other such errors. (However, this is not likely to be the sole cause of the inaccuracies within this experiment, though it may contribute to it.)
Possible improvements with subsequent experiments include:
Using a larger sample size, to lessen the possibility that an anomalous result, or procedural error would disrupt the end result. Use litmus paper.