Qualitative analysis in chemistry is the process of determining non-numerical information about a chemical species or reaction/Qualitative_Analysis). It is a branch of chemistry that deals with the identification of elements or groups of elements present in a sample. Qualitative analysis is not as reliable as quantitative analysis but is often far easier, faster, and cheaper to perform/Qualitative_Analysis). The techniques employed in qualitative analysis vary in complexity, depending on the nature of the sample. In some cases, it is necessary only to verify the presence of certain elements or groups for which specific tests applicable directly to the sample may be available. Qualitative analysis primarily focuses on the visual characteristics of a chemical reaction, such as a change in color or the production of bubbles. Unlike quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis cannot determine the amount of a substance present in a sample. There are two main branches of qualitative analysis: organic qualitative analysis and inorganic qualitative analysis. Organic qualitative analysis is helpful in determining the functional groups, chemical bonds, and types of molecules, while inorganic qualitative analysis can determine the ionic composition and elemental composition of inorganic compounds. Qualitative analytical techniques in chemistry may involve color change tests, flame tests, and precipitation tests. The purpose of qualitative analysis is mainly to determine the composition of a substance or the absence of certain substances.