QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS

• WHAT IS THE AMOUNT ? (How much do we have?)

• HOW WELL DO WE KNOW AMOUNT ? (What is the uncertainty?)

• WHAT ARE POTENTIAL INTERFERENTS ? (Is the result correct?)

• IS AMOUNT TRACEABLE TO STANDARDS ? (Is the result accurate?)

STEPS IN A CHEMICAL ANALYSIS

• Understanding the Problem
• Design or Select an Analytical Procedure
• Sampling
• Sample Preparation - Conversion into a Measurable Form
• Chemical Analysis and Data Analysis
• Report
• Interpretation

The Problem Solving Process Overview

HIERARCHY OF CHEMICAL ANALYSIS

Technique - A scientific principle that has been found useful for providing compositional information

Method - An adaptation of a technique to a specific measurement problem.

Procedure - Written directions considered to be necessary to utilize a method.

Protocol - A set of definitive instructions that must be followed, without exception, if the analytical results are to be accepted for a specific purpose.
 

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS METHODS

Absolute Method - Method in which characterization is based entirely on physical standards.

Comparative Method - Method in which characterization is based on chemical standards

Reference Method - A method of known and demonstrated accuracy

Standard Method - A method of know and demonstrated precision issued by an organization known to be competent

Standard Reference Method - Standard method of demonstrated accuracy

Definitive Method - A method of known accuracy and accepted to establish the property of some material

Routine Method - Method used in routine analysis of property

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This page was created by Professor Stephen Bialkowski, Utah State University.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006