Analytical chemistry is a branch of chemistry that is concerned with the identification, quantification, and separation of chemical compounds. It is an essential part of modern science and plays a vital role in various fields, including medicine, environmental science, and materials science. This article aims to provide a detailed definition and meaning of analytical chemistry.
Definitions
Analytical chemistry is defined as the study of the chemical composition and structure of substances, the identification of the components of a substance, and the measurement of their quantities. It involves the use of various techniques, including spectroscopy, chromatography, and electrochemistry.
Origin
The roots of analytical chemistry can be traced back to ancient times when early civilizations used simple techniques to identify materials. However, the modern form of analytical chemistry began to develop in the 17th century with the discovery of new elements and compounds. The development of new techniques and instruments, such as the spectroscope and the gas chromatograph, has revolutionized the field of analytical chemistry.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, analytical chemistry is “the branch of chemistry concerned with the identification and quantitative determination of the chemical constituents of substances.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “the branch of chemistry dealing with the identification of compounds and mixtures (qualitative analysis) or the determination of the proportions of the constituents (quantitative analysis).”
Associations
Analytical chemistry is associated with various organizations, including the American Chemical Society, the Royal Society of Chemistry, and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of analytical chemistry include chemical analysis, quantitative analysis, and instrumental analysis.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms of analytical chemistry as it is a specialized field of chemistry.
The same root words
Analytical chemistry shares the same root words with other branches of chemistry, including organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and physical chemistry.
Example Sentences
- Analytical chemistry is essential in identifying the chemical composition of a new drug.
- The use of chromatography is a common technique in analytical chemistry.
- The study of environmental pollutants requires a thorough understanding of analytical chemistry.
- The development of new analytical techniques has revolutionized the field of chemistry.