Chemical analysis

Chemical analysis is the study of the physical and chemical properties of substances through the application of various techniques and methodologies. It is a critical aspect of chemistry and plays a significant role in numerous fields, including medicine, environmental science, and material science.

Overview

Chemical analysis involves the identification and quantification of chemical components in a sample. It can be divided into two main categories: qualitative analysis, which identifies the elements or substances present in a sample, and quantitative analysis, which determines the exact amount or concentration of these components.

Techniques

There are numerous techniques used in chemical analysis, each with its own strengths and limitations. Some of the most common include:

• Spectroscopy: This technique involves the interaction of light with matter to determine the properties of a substance. It includes methods such as infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

• Chromatography: This technique separates the components of a mixture based on their different interactions with a stationary and a mobile phase. Types of chromatography include gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and thin-layer chromatography.

• Mass spectrometry: This technique measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions to determine the molecular structure of a sample.

• Electrochemical analysis: This involves the study of chemical reactions that occur at the interface of an electrode and an ionic conductor.

Applications

Chemical analysis is used in a wide range of applications. In medicine, it is used to analyze biological samples for diagnostic purposes. In environmental science, it is used to monitor and assess the quality of air, water, and soil. In material science, it is used to determine the composition and properties of different materials.

See also

• Analytical chemistry
• Physical chemistry
• Biochemistry