IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Practice Test 2026 - Free Chemistry Practice Questions and Study Guide

Testing halide ions with silver nitrate is a classic qualitative test. When Ag+ from the silver nitrate meets a halide ion, it forms an insoluble silver halide precipitate. The color of the precipitate helps identify which halide is present: white for chloride, cream for bromide, and yellow for iodide. In this case, the precipitate is cream, so bromide ions are present. Using nitric acid beforehand helps ensure the reaction is specific to halides.