[Stuck686]

Hi there i am preparing for this big 14 bottle problem at school, we are to indentify the unknown solution in water. i am given:

Ba2+, Fe3+, Li+, K+, Ag+, Na+, Al3+,Cu2+, Sr2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Mg2+, H+

No3-, Cl-, OH-, SCN-, CO3^2-, SO4^2-,  and NH3



I am wondering if there are distintcitive colors these have in appearances, or smells, or anything else that would tell me what element or solution it is. I am also looking for some tips on where to start and how to go about detemrining whats what. There are no rules given to me, i have to do this myself. Thanks

[enahs]

What have you learned and done in lab up to this point? What kind of equipment and chemicals do you have access to?
There are so many different ways to approach this.

Note, if it is in a solution of water it will always have some "H⁺" and OH^-

[Stuck686]

nothing fancy, i am supposed to do this by color, precipitates, solubility,  combinding things to see what happens. I have access to a flame, indicator paper, test tubes and beakers of course, hot plates

[enahs]

Do you have a large quantity of this solution? Or are you giving a small amount?

[Stuck686]

not large amounts, and i dont get refills. I would just like some basic colors for the ions and things to look for when mixed that i should look for!

[Stuck686]

anymore insight on this? my lab is today

[Mitch]

The flame test might help for the transition metals.