Gravy train

Gravimetric analysis is a method in analytical chemistry for the quantitative determination of an analyte based on the mass of a solid. In gravimetric analysis, measurements of mass are used to determine the amount of the desired constituent in a sample.

History

The concept of gravimetric analysis has been in existence since the 18th century, with the earliest recorded use by a French chemist named Louis Nicolas Vauquelin. He used this method to discover the element chromium by analyzing the mineral crocoite.

Principle

The principle of gravimetric analysis is based on the measurement of the mass of the analyte or a compound related to the analyte. The analyte is converted into a stable and pure substance that can be isolated and weighed. The mass of the analyte can then be determined from the mass of this substance and its chemical composition.

Procedure

The procedure for gravimetric analysis involves several steps:

1. Preparation of a solution containing a known amount of the analyte.
2. Separation of the analyte from the rest of the sample.
3. Conversion of the analyte into an insoluble form.
4. Isolation of the analyte.
5. Calculation of the amount of the analyte based on its mass and the mass of the sample.

Types of Gravimetric Analysis

There are two main types of gravimetric analysis: precipitation and volatilization. In precipitation gravimetry, the analyte is separated by precipitation. In volatilization gravimetry, the analyte or its reaction product is volatilized and the mass loss is measured.

Applications

Gravimetric analysis is used in various fields such as chemistry, pharmaceuticals, food analysis, and environmental analysis. It is used to determine the amount of a specific element or compound in a sample, to check the purity of a sample, or to determine the composition of a sample.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Gravimetric analysis has several advantages, including high precision and accuracy, simplicity, and low cost. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as the time-consuming nature of the procedure and the requirement for a large amount of sample.

See Also

• Quantitative analysis (chemistry)
• Qualitative analysis (chemistry)
• Volumetric analysis