This one is pretty
simple. You each have one of the insoluble chlorides. (Review your solubility
rules).
So remember rinse all glassware with distilled water. If you have
stray Cl- ions from city water, it could be a problem.
Testing for complete
precipitation.
Precipitation must always be complete. That mean you
have separated the insoluble chemicals from the soluble. You can't leave the
insolubles behind due to incomplete precipitation. If you do you'll probably get
a false positive on the next procedure. It assumes you have stripped your
unknown clean of everything that comes before that step.
Add one more drop of
reagent. If the liquid stays clear, you have complete precipitation, if
not add 2 more drops of reagent and centrifuge. Then test again with 1 drop of
reagent.
HNO3 is very dangerous.
Never lift your safety goggles even for a minute.