Iodine Test
How is the test performed:
To perform the iodine test, a small amount of the mystery powder is placed on a clean surface or in a test tube. A few drops of iodine solution (usually iodine dissolved in potassium iodide) are then added to the sample. The mixture is gently stirred or observed immediately after the iodine is added.
What does it test for:
The iodine test is primarily used to detect the presence of starch in a sample. Starch is a polysaccharide, and the iodine solution reacts specifically with the amylose component of starch.
What happens if the test is positive:
If the test is positive, the iodine will react with the starch to produce a deep blue or purple color. This indicates that starch is present in the mystery powder.
What happens if the test is negative:
If the test is negative, no change will occur, meaning the iodine solution will remain its original yellow-brown color, indicating that starch is not present in the mystery powder.