Answer:
To investigate the presence of lithium ions and carbonate ions in the tablet, the following steps can be taken:
Materials needed:
Lithium carbonate tablet
Metal wire
Dilute hydrochloric acid
Limewater
Bunsen burner
Test tubes
Procedure:
Take a small piece of the lithium carbonate tablet and place it on a metal wire.
Hold the wire over a Bunsen burner flame until the sample turns red.
Allow the sample to cool and place it in a test tube.
Add dilute hydrochloric acid to the test tube and observe any gas that is produced.
Pass the gas produced through limewater in a separate test tube and observe if there is any change in the color of the limewater.
Results:
If a red flame is observed in step 2, it indicates the presence of lithium ions in the sample.
If gas is produced in step 4, it indicates the presence of carbonate ions in the sample.
If the limewater turns cloudy or milky in step 5, it indicates the presence of carbonate ions in the sample.
Therefore, the student can conclude that the lithium carbonate tablet contains lithium ions and carbonate ions.