GCSEChemistryWJECRevision Notes2. Chemical Bonding, Application Of Chemical Reactions & Organic Chemistry2.6 Reversible Reactions, Industrial Processes & Important ChemicalsTesting for Ammonium Ions

Testing for Ammonium Ions (WJEC GCSE Chemistry): Revision Note

Exam code: 3410

Written by: Richard Boole

Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll

Updated on 2 July 2026

Testing for Ammonium Ions

Ammonium ions, NH₄⁺, can be identified by gently warming a solution containing the ions with sodium hydroxide solution
- The sodium hydroxide solution is a source of hydroxide ions, OH^–, for the test
This releases ammonia gas which turns damp red litmus paper blue

Testing for ammonium ions

Heating ammonium ions with sodium hydroxide solution releases ammonia gas which turns damp red litmus blue

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Author: Richard Boole

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Richard has taught Chemistry for over 15 years as well as working as a science tutor, examiner, content creator and author. He wasn’t the greatest at exams and only discovered how to revise in his final year at university. That knowledge made him want to help students learn how to revise, challenge them to think about what they actually know and hopefully succeed; so here he is, happily, at SME.

Reviewer: Caroline Carroll

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Caroline graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Chemistry and Molecular Physics. She spent several years working as an Industrial Chemist in the automotive industry before retraining to teach. Caroline has over 12 years of experience teaching GCSE and A-level chemistry and physics. She is passionate about delivering high-quality resources to help students achieve their full potential.