Activation analysis is a technique used in analytical chemistry to determine the quantity of elements present in a sample. This method involves the use of nuclear reactions to activate the sample, which in turn emits radiation that can be measured to determine the concentration of elements in the sample. This article will explore the definition, meaning, and associations of activation analysis.
Definitions
Activation analysis is a technique used to determine the concentration of elements in a sample by irradiating the sample with neutrons or other particles to induce nuclear reactions. The resulting radiation emitted by the sample is measured to determine the concentration of elements present. This method is highly sensitive and can detect trace amounts of elements in the sample.
Origin
Activation analysis was first developed in the 1930s by Hungarian chemist George de Hevesy and German physicist Fritz Paneth. They discovered that the radioactive isotopes produced by nuclear reactions could be used to determine the concentration of elements in a sample. This method became widely used in the 1950s and 1960s and is still used today in various fields, including environmental monitoring, forensic analysis, and materials science.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, activation analysis is defined as “a method of chemical analysis that involves making a substance radioactive by bombarding it with neutrons and then determining the concentration of the substance by measuring the radiation it emits.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines activation analysis as “a method of determining the concentration of an element in a sample by irradiating it with neutrons or other particles and measuring the resulting radiation.”
Associations
Activation analysis is closely associated with nuclear physics and chemistry. It is a highly sensitive method of analysis that can detect trace amounts of elements in a sample. This method is commonly used in environmental monitoring, materials science, and forensic analysis to determine the presence of elements in various samples.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of activation analysis include neutron activation analysis, radioactivation analysis, and nuclear activation analysis.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of activation analysis, as it is a specific method of analysis. However, other methods of chemical analysis, such as chromatography or spectroscopy, could be considered alternatives to activation analysis.
The same root words
The root words of activation analysis are “activation” and “analysis.” Activation refers to the process of making a substance radioactive by bombarding it with particles, while analysis refers to the process of determining the composition or concentration of a substance.
Example Sentences
- Activation analysis is a highly sensitive method of determining the concentration of elements in a sample.
- Neutron activation analysis is commonly used in environmental monitoring to detect trace amounts of pollutants.
- The forensic analysis of a crime scene often involves the use of activation analysis to determine the presence of elements such as lead or arsenic.
- The nuclear activation analysis of materials is an important tool in materials science for determining the composition of alloys and other materials.