Analytical Chemistry Flashcards
(102 cards)
Analyte
A substance whose chemical constituents are being identified and measured
Representative sample
A sample, resulting from a sampling plan, that can be expected to adequately reflect the properties of interest in the parent population. Or a sample of which has an identical composition to the bulk material, batch, or lot, from which it has been taken
Test sample
A much smaller, but still representative, subsample with an often finer particle size, from which the test portions are selected for specific analyte determinations
Validation
The process of determining the performance characteristics of a method to establish whether the analytical results obtained will be fit for their intended purpose
Matrix
The components of a sample other than the analyte of interest
Calibration
The measurement of standard solutions or materials in order to construct a calibration curve
Confidence limit
Values greater than or less than the average, between which the results are statistically expected to fall a given percentage of the time
Accuracy
The closeness of a test result to an accepted reference value
Precision
The reproducibility of a series to replicate measurements obtained under comparable analytical conditions
Interference
A substance, other than the assayed material, that can be measured by the chosen analytical method or that can prevent the assayed material from being measured
Errors
The difference between the measured value and the true/known value
Detection limit
The lowest concentration of the analyte that can be reliably detected
Limit of quantification
The lowest analyte concentration that can be quantitatively detected with a stated accuracy and precision
Sensitivity
The change in signal per unit change in the amount of analyte
Standards
Materials containing a precisely known concentration of a substance for use in quantitative analysis
Separation
A method which converts a mixture or solution of chemical substances into two or more distinct product mixtures
Qualitative
Determines the presence or absence of a particular compound/element
Quantitative
Determines the amount of a particular compound/element
What are the six steps to a solution?
- Defining the problem
- Sampling
- Sample preparation
- Measurements
- Evaluation
- Analytical information
Trace analysis
refers to a measurement of a compound that is of very low concentration, leading to difficulties in the analysis
When defining the problem, what are the 9 most important questions to ask?
- Where was the sample obtained?
- Why do you want this tested? Is contamination expected?
- What is the analyte?
- Is it a representative sample?
- Is this a qualitative or quantitative analysis?
- What is the physical state of the sample?
- What is the sample matrix?
- What is the accuracy and precision of the data?
- Is the measurement bulk or trace analysis?
What are the 4 main risks associated with sample analysis?
- The sample may be contaminated
- Sample container may be contaminated
- Risks associated with sample collection
- Risks with analytical procedure
Sample integrity
Sample properties must be stable after sampling and during storage
Random sampling
Samples collected at random locations to produce a representation of the entire sample