what are some tests to find an unknown solution ?

Question

it's a salt solution, if that helps

Answer 1

Depends what you are trying to identify, the cation, anion or both?

Things that may help are
PHYSICAL:
- colour
- melting point and loss of mass getting to the melting point (decomposition or removal of water of hydration)
- solubility in water
- change of colour in water (Co etc)
- pH of solution

CHEMICAL:
- main one would be reaction to for precipitates
- reaction with acid
- reaction with base

These are just a few. The subject is so broad it is hard to give a specific answer. These are just some of the starting points, as you gain info from the above you can then get more specific. Email me if you require some help on how to proceed once you get a little more info.

Answer 2

There are a series of tests that can be used to detect the unknown.

Try to form a precipitate. For example, add some AgNO3 to the unknown. If a white precipitate forms, then chloride is present. There are other solutions that can be added to form a possible precipitate.

Flame tests are very useful as well. A blue flame could mean copper is present. A green flame Nickel and a yellow flame could be Sodium, etc.