Southport Science Tutor

20/02/2026

06/12/2025

GCSE Triple Chemistry - Precipitates (part 2)

C8 - Chemical Analysis - Identifying metal ions (cations)

So we already have covered the 3 white precipitates.

Now, again we can use sodium hydroxide which reacts with the metal to form a precipitate

All three form a coloured precipitate:
- Copper (Cu 2+) forms a blue precipitate
- Iron (Fe 2+) forms a green precipitate
- Iron (Fe 3+) forms a brown precipitate

29/11/2025

GCSE Triple Chemistry - Precipitates (part 1)

C8 - Chemical Analysis - Identifying metal ions (cations)

Let's break this down. Focusing on the 3 'white precipitates' first:

We can use sodium hydroxide which reacts with the metal to form a precipitate

All three form a white precipitate so a white precipitate forming after reacting a metal ion with NaOH tells you that either Al, Ca or Mg is present.

But....

Only aluminium dissolves in excess (too much) NaOH.
Calcium can be confirmed by a flame test (orange-red).
Magnesium: stays white + NO flame colour.

25/11/2025

This is again for C8 Chemistry Analysis

To prove the presence of carbonate ions:

React with a dilute acid.

Collect the bubbles.

Bubble the gas through limewater.

If the limewater turns from colourless to cloudy, then carbon dioxide is present.

This is one for both combined science/Trilogy and triple chemists alike.

23/11/2025

Another one for the triple chemists this morning....

IN C8 (PAPER 2) Test for ammonium ions (NH₄⁺):

- Add sodium hydroxide solution.
- Warm gently.
- If ammonium ions are present, ammonia gas is released.
- Test the gas with damp red litmus paper — it turns blue.

Use this EXACT terminology. GENTLE heat is crucial.

The bubbles coming out of the test tube represent NH₃ gas being produced by:

NH₄⁺ + OH⁻ → NH₃ (gas) + H₂O

This is the ONLY required ionic equation.

22/11/2025

Triple Chemistry GCSE - Flame tests !!!!

Remembering flame tests isn't always easy so this morning I would like to share this....

You need to know what flame colours would be seen when you put these metal ions (cations) in a flame.

You firstly dip the nichrome wire loop in concentrated hydrochloric acid to clean it.
Then place it in a blue flame.
Then you dip it in the ion.
When placed in the edge of the flame you are looking for these colours.

Be careful....its important that it is a pure sample, otherwise a clear colour will not be seen!!

It's very important that you know the process, the ions, and these exact colour descriptions.

Putting them into a fun picture just helps memory.

Repetitively running through...Little Red....Naughty Yellow....Kind Lilac.....Calm Orange-red.....Cute Green (with the image of the flames in your mind) is what will help these stick!

08/11/2025

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These are ideal for students preparing for their GCSE Science exams and after structured revision sessions. I cover specific topics and focus on exam question confidence.

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08/11/2025

I currently only have a small number of spaces available now for Science tuition this academic year. So please get in touch if you are looking for support.

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21/08/2025

Absolutely fantastic results from so many this morning 🥳🥳🥳. Thank you so much for the messages. It is so lovely to hear from you all.

As always though. These kids impress me every year and I want to remind them that whatever that piece of paper says. Always be proud of the effort you've put in.

You're all amazing 👏