CHEMISTRY GLOSSARY

Kjeldahl’s method    →   Kjeldahlov postupak

Kjeldahl’s method is an analytical method for determination of nitrogen in certain organic compounds. The method was developed by the Danish chemist Johan Kjeldahl (1849-1900).

It involves addition of a small amount of anhydrous potassium sulphate to the test compound, followed by heating the mixture with concentrated sulphuric acid, often with a catalyst such as copper sulphate. As a result ammonia is formed. After alkalyzing the mixture with sodium hydroxyde, the ammonia is separated by distillation, collected in standard acid, and the nitrogen determined by back-titration.

1. Kjeldahl flask for decomposition (500 ml – macro or 100 ml - micro)
2. funnel for alkaline solution
3. Wagner tube (drop catcher)
4. condenser
5. absorption flask with known volume of standard acid

Winkler’s method    →   Winklerova metoda

Winkler’s method was once a common method used to determine the dissolved oxygen concentration by titration. Now rarely used due to the accuracy and low price of oxygen meters.

The water sample is first treated with excess manganese(II) sulfate solution and then with an alkaline solution of potassium iodide. The Mn(OH)₂ initially formed reacts with the dissolved oxygen. The amount of MnO(OH)₂ formed is determined by reaction with iodide ion in acidic solution. The iodine formed may be titrated against standard thiosulfate solution, using starch as an indicator.

accelerated corrosion test    →   ubrzana korozija

Accelerated corrosion test is method designed to approximate, in a short time, the deteriorating effect under normal long-term service conditions.

analytical balance    →   analitička vaga

Analytical balances are instruments used for precise determining mass of matter. Analytical balances are sensitive and expensive instruments, and upon their accuracy and precision the accuracy of analysis result depends. The most widely used type of analytical balances are balances with a capacity of 100 g and a sensitivity of 0.1 mg. Not one quantitative chemical analysis is possible without usage of balances, because, regardless of which analytical method is being used, there is always a need for weighing a sample for analysis and the necessary quantity of reagents for solution preparation.

The working part of the balance is enclosed in a glass-fitted case. The baseplate is usually of black glass or black slate. The beam has agate knife-edges at its extremes, supporting stirrups from which balance pans are suspended. Another agate or steel knife-edge is fixed exactly in the middle of the beam on its bottom side. This knife-edge faces downwards and supports the beam. When not in use and during loading or unloading of the pans, the balance should be arrested.

The principle of operation of a modern laboratory balance bears some resemblance to its predecessor - the equal arm balance. The older instrument opposed the torque exerted by an unknown mass on one side of a pivot to that of an adjustable known weight on the other side. When the pointer returned to the center position, the torques must be equal, and the weight was determined by the position of the moving weights.

Modern electronic laboratory balances work on the principle of magnetic force restoration. In this system, the force exerted by the object being weighed is lifted by an electromagnet. A detector measures the current required to oppose the downward motion of the weight in the magnetic field.

anodising    →   anodizacija

Anodising is a method of coating objects made of aluminium with a protective oxide film, by making them the anode in an electrolytic bath containing an oxidising electrolyte. Anodising can also be used to produce a decorative finish by formation of an oxide layer that can absorb a coloured dye.

atomic spectroscopy    →   atomska spektroskopija

Atomic spectroscopy is an expensive analytical method which uses absorption (AAS), emission (AES) and fluorescent (AFS) characteristics of the analyte.

autoignition temperature    →   temperatura samozapaljenja

Autoignition temperature is the minimum temperature required to initiate or cause self-sustained combustion in any substance in the absence of a spark or flame. This varies with the test method.

chemical technology    →   kemijska tehnologija

Chemical technology is a branch of applied chemistry that concerns technical methods and devices in order to manufacture a chemical product.

chlorosity    →   klorocitet

Chlorosity is the quantity determined by volumetric methods and is defined in the same manner as chlorinity except that the sample unit is 1 L of sea water rather than 1 kg of sea water weighed in vacuo.

conductometry    →   konduktometrija

Conductometry is a volumetric analytic method in which the end of titration (equivalent point) is defined by an electric conductivity appliance.