You can confirm the presence of halide ions through a precipitation reaction using silver nitrate solution.

To test for halide ions, you will conduct a straightforward procedure known as the silver nitrate test. This test relies on a precipitation reaction, in which a solid forms as a result of the interaction between two solutions: the test solution, which may contain halide ions, and a solution of silver nitrate.

Begin by adding a few drops of silver nitrate solution to the test solution. If halide ions are present, they will react with the silver ions, resulting in the formation of a precipitate. The color of this precipitate can be used to identify the specific halide ion present. A white precipitate indicates the presence of chloride ions, a cream precipitate suggests bromide ions, and a yellow precipitate signifies iodide ions.

However, distinguishing between these colors can be challenging, particularly in small quantities. To confirm the identity of the halide, you can add either dilute or concentrated ammonia. The chloride precipitate will dissolve in dilute ammonia, while the bromide precipitate will only dissolve in concentrated ammonia. In contrast, the iodide precipitate will remain undissolved in both types of ammonia.

Always exercise caution when handling chemicals; silver nitrate can stain skin and clothing, and ammonia can be harmful if inhaled. It is essential to perform this test under the supervision of a teacher or another qualified individual.