Qualitative analysis of metal cations

This week in lab, you'll be using the chemical tests you observed last week to separate (and identify) the metal cations in an unknown mixture of cations. It's probably better to think about this as a separation rather than just an identification because you will be given 1 sample and through a series of chemical (or physical) steps you will end up with up to 5 different metals in 5 different container. Some tips:
1. Flow chart - You have to organize your procedure to do well. The logical way to do this is with a flow chart for this type of a problem... a sequence of steps with decision points and branches along the way. You might not be a "flow chart person", but it makes it MUCH easier to follow through on a logical set of tests if you become a bit of a flow chart person for this experiment. Here's an example of a flow chart for separating and identifying anions if you're looking for an example: http://chemlab.truman.edu/chemlab_backup/CHEM131Labs/QualFiles/Figure2.gif
2. Assume you have all 5 metals - OK, there's not much chance that you'll get the sample that has all 5 metals, but you might. Even if you don't, design your flow chart and approach so that it will work for any possible unknown in this experiment.
3. The first step is the key! - Any step in which you are potentially making 2 or more precipitates represents a potential problem because you need to be able to separate those solids from one another. If you can't separate the solids from one another, it's not a useful test. For example, chromate makes a BUNCH of precipitates with the metals we are using, but there's no way (in our list of chemical tests) to separate those solids from one another. Adding chromate would be a horrible first step in your flow chart, but it might be handy later on when you only have to test for the presence of a single metal cation.
4. Positive tests - You need to have a positive confirmation test for all the metals, do not try to infer the presence or absence of a specific metal cation based upon negative results.
5. Chemical equations - If you come to lab prepared with a good plan, the "wet" part of this lab will not take three hours. This is a lab report experiment and as part of your lab report, you will have to write out balanced chemical equations for ALL of the tests you performed in the first week of the experiment. {quit rolling your eyes, it's not that hard and it's good practice!} Take advantage of your time in lab to make sure you understand the chemical equations and ask your instructor and lab assistant for feedback.

Good luck on your unknowns. One final note on your flow chart: this is one of those experiments where there is not a single correct answer. There are probably half a dozen or more variations on the "correct" flow chart that all work well.