Instrumental Methods of Analysis

What are instrumental methods of analysis?

Techniques that use specialised scientific equipment to identify or measure substances.

Why are instrumental methods often preferred over simple chemical tests?

They can be more sensitive, accurate and rapid.

What does sensitivity mean in chemical analysis?

The ability to detect small quantities or low concentrations of a substance.

What does accuracy mean in chemical analysis?

How close a measured value is to the true value.

What does precision mean in chemical analysis?

How close repeated measurements are to one another.

What is the difference between accuracy and precision?

Accuracy is closeness to the true value, while precision is agreement between repeated measurements.

Why is rapid analysis useful?

It allows large numbers of samples to be tested efficiently.

What is qualitative analysis?

Determining which substances or ions are present.

What is quantitative analysis?

Determining how much of a substance is present.

What is an advantage of instrumental analysis for detecting pollutants?

It can detect very low concentrations of harmful substances.

What is an advantage of instrumental analysis in medicine?

It can provide sensitive and reliable measurements of substances in samples.

What is one disadvantage of instrumental analysis?

Instruments may be expensive and require specialist training or maintenance.

Why are calibration standards used?

To help ensure instrument measurements are accurate.

Why is instrumental analysis useful for mixtures?

It can distinguish and sometimes quantify several components.