[izebob]

I'm trying to design a qualitative analysis experiment for my lab group. I could use a little help. I am trying to understand why things are done as well, so if you can please explain. Thank you in advance.

It is known that the cation(s) is(are) from the following: Ag⁺, Hg₂²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Bi³⁺, As³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Fe³⁺, and Al³⁺; and the anions from SO₄^2-, CO₃^2-, PO₄^3-, Cl^-, and NO₃^-. Design an experiment to identify what is(are) present.

[Arkcon]

These sorts of experiments are best planned as a tree.  There a specific chemical reactions that occur with some general groups of ions, and you'll end up working through the list flow-chart-like.  Your textbook may have something like that for you to work from.  If not, you have lots of work to do, however, you can get started using solubility rules.  Do you know those?

[izebob]

These sorts of experiments are best planned as a tree.  There a specific chemical reactions that occur with some general groups of ions, and you'll end up working through the list flow-chart-like.  Your textbook may have something like that for you to work from.  If not, you have lots of work to do, however, you can get started using solubility rules.  Do you know those?

Unfortunately I have no textbook, my professor just gives us a sheet with just this. Yes, I have a basic understanding of the rules.

[Arkcon]

OK, give us some. Or better yet, use some of those rules to begin to separate the list of cations and anions into groups.  Note: I mean grouped by properties, not periodic table "groups."