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Important Terminologies in Analytical Chemistry

The document outlines important terminologies in analytical chemistry, including definitions for key concepts such as analyte, matrix, calibration, and various analysis techniques. It categorizes analytical methods into qualitative and quantitative analysis, along with instrumental analysis techniques and error analysis terms. Additionally, it discusses sample preparation, handling, and classification based on sample size, emphasizing the significance of these terms for accurate analyses.

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DURAN, MARIA FAITH
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28 views2 pages

Important Terminologies in Analytical Chemistry

The document outlines important terminologies in analytical chemistry, including definitions for key concepts such as analyte, matrix, calibration, and various analysis techniques. It categorizes analytical methods into qualitative and quantitative analysis, along with instrumental analysis techniques and error analysis terms. Additionally, it discusses sample preparation, handling, and classification based on sample size, emphasizing the significance of these terms for accurate analyses.

Uploaded by

DURAN, MARIA FAITH
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Important Terminologies in Analytical Chemistry

1. General Analytical Chemistry Terms

 Analyte – The substance being measured or analyzed in a sample.

 Matrix – The entire composition of a sample, excluding the analyte.

 Calibration – The process of setting up an instrument or method to provide accurate


measurements.

 Standard Solution – A solution with a precisely known concentration, used for calibration.

 Reagent – A chemical used to cause a reaction in an analysis.

 Detection Limit (LOD) – The lowest concentration of an analyte that can be detected but not
necessarily quantified.

 Quantification Limit (LOQ) – The lowest concentration of an analyte that can be accurately
measured.

 Precision – The closeness of repeated measurements to each other.

 Accuracy – The closeness of a measurement to the true value.

 Sensitivity – The ability of an analytical method to detect small changes in concentration.

 Selectivity (or Specificity) – The ability of a method to distinguish the analyte from other
components in the sample.

2. Types of Analytical Chemistry

Qualitative Analysis Terms (Determining what is present)

 Chromatography – A separation technique used to identify components in a mixture.

 Spectroscopy – The study of how matter interacts with electromagnetic radiation.

 Precipitation Reaction – A reaction where a solid forms from a solution.

 Turbidity – The cloudiness of a solution due to suspended particles.

Quantitative Analysis Terms (Determining how much is present)

 Titration – A method to determine the concentration of an unknown solution by reacting it with


a known concentration.

 Back Titration – A titration method where an excess reactant is added, and the remaining
amount is titrated.

 Gravimetric Analysis – Measuring the mass of an analyte to determine concentration.

 Volumetric Analysis – Measuring the volume of a reagent to determine concentration.

3. Instrumental Analysis Techniques


 Chromatogram – A graphical output of chromatography results.

 Retention Time – The time it takes for a compound to travel through a chromatographic column.

 Absorbance – The amount of light absorbed by a sample in spectrophotometry.

 Wavelength – The distance between peaks of electromagnetic waves, crucial in spectroscopy.

 Fluorescence – The emission of light by a substance after absorbing light.

4. Error Analysis and Statistical Terms

 Standard Deviation – A measure of how much individual measurements deviate from the mean.

 Confidence Interval – A range of values that likely contain the true value of the analyte
concentration.

 Bias – A systematic error that leads to consistently incorrect results.

 Interference – The effect of unwanted substances that alter analytical results.

 Blanks – Samples containing no analyte, used to check for contamination.

5. Sample Preparation and Handling

 Homogenization – The process of making a sample uniform in composition.

 Dilution – Reducing the concentration of a solution by adding a solvent.

 Extraction – The process of separating a substance from a mixture using a solvent.

 Filtration – The separation of solid particles from a liquid or gas using a filter.

6. Classification of Samples Based on Size

 Bulk Samples (Macroscale Samples) – Large quantities (>100 mg) used in classical methods like
titration and gravimetry.

 Micro Samples – Small quantities (1 mg to 100 mg), requiring sensitive techniques such as HPLC
and UV-Vis spectroscopy.

 Ultra-Micro Samples – Less than 1 mg, analyzed using advanced methods like fluorescence
spectroscopy and electron microscopy.

 Trace and Ultratrace Samples – Measured in ppm, ppb, or ppt levels; techniques include ICP-MS
and neutron activation analysis.

 Nanoparticle and Colloidal Samples – 1 nm to 1000 nm; characterized by DLS, AFM, TEM, and
SPR.

These terminologies form the foundation of analytical chemistry and are essential for conducting
accurate analyses.

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