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What is Analytical Chemistry? ; Branches of Analytical Chemistry ;
Analytical chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the determination of the chemical composition and structure of materials. It is divided into several branches, including organic analytical chemistry, inorganic analytical chemistry, physical analytical chemistry, and bioanalytical chemistry.
Methods Used in Analytical Chemistry
There are a variety of methods used in analytical chemistry, including gravimetric analysis, titrimetric analysis, chromatographic analysis, and spectroscopic analysis.
Gravimetric analysis is a method used to determine the mass of a substance. The substance is weighed before and after it is dissolved in a solvent, and the difference in weight is the mass of the substance.
Titrimetric analysis is a method used to determine the concentration of a substance in a solution. A known volume of the solution is diluted with a solvent, and a titrant is added until the desired endpoint is reached. The concentration of the substance is then determined by calculating the volume of titrant required.
Chromatographic analysis is a method used to separate the components of a mixture. A mixture is dissolved in a solvent, and the solution is then injected into a chromatographic column. The components of the mixture are separated by their different rates of travel down the column.
Spectroscopic analysis is a method used to determine the structure of a compound. The compound is dissolved in a solvent, and then subjected to a spectroscopic analysis. The structure of the compound is then determined by the patterns of light that are absorbed or emitted by the compound.
