This question is about lithium carbonate. Lithium carbonate is used in medicines Lithium carbonate contains lithium ions and carbonate ions. A student tested the tablet for lithium ions and for carbonate ions. The student used: • a metal wire • dilute hydrochloric acid • limewater. Plan an investigation to show the presence of lithium ions and of carbonate ions in the tablet. You should include the results of the tests for the ions. – 6016

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1. Test for Lithium (flame test):
   Crush the lithium tablet or dissolve it in water or acid.

   Clean a nichrome or platinum wire to avoid contamination.

   Dip the clean wire into the lithium solution.

   Place the wire in a blue (non-luminous) Bunsen burner flame.

   Observe the flame colour – it should turn crimson red.

   Test for Carbonate (using acid and limewater):
   Add hydrochloric acid to the substance that may contain carbonate.

   Fizzing or effervescence will happen if carbonate is present (carbon dioxide gas is released).

   Bubble the gas through limewater.

   If carbonate is present, the limewater turns cloudy – showing carbon dioxide is being produced.

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