INTRODUCTION TO ANACHEM

• Analytical chemistry is a measurement science consisting of powerful ideas and methods useful in all fields of science and medicine
• Qualitative analysis reveals the identity of elements and compounds in a sample, while quantitative analysis indicates the amount of each substance in a sample
• Analytical chemistry is applied throughout industry, medicine, and all sciences
• Quantitative analytical measurements play a vital role in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, geology, physics, and other sciences
• Gravimetric methods determine the mass of the analyte or a compound chemically related to it
• Volumetric methods determine the volume of a solution containing sufficient reagent to react completely with the analyte
• Electroanalytical methods involve the measurement of electrical properties like voltage, current, resistance, and quantity of electrical charge
• Spectroscopic methods are based on the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and analyte atoms or molecules
• In selecting an analytical method, consider the level of accuracy required, economic factors, sample complexity, and the number of components in the sample
• Sampling involves obtaining a small mass of material that accurately represents the bulk of the material being sampled
• Sample processing may involve grinding, mixing, and drying solid samples to ensure homogeneity and prevent changes in chemical composition
• For liquid samples, solvent evaporation may be necessary, and precautions like keeping analyte in a sealed container may be required to prevent contamination
• Replicate samples improve the quality and reliability of results in analytical procedures
• Interferences are species other than the analyte that affect the final measurement in chemical analysis
• Calibration and measurement in analytical chemistry ideally show a direct proportionality between the property measured and concentration
• Calculating analyte concentrations is based on raw experimental data, characteristics of measurement instruments, and stoichiometry of the analytical reaction
• Analytical results are incomplete without an estimate of their reliability