CHEMISTRY GLOSSARY

qualitative analysis    →   kvalitativna analiza

Qualitative analysis involves determining the nature of a pure unknown compound or the compounds present in a mixture. Qualitative inorganic analysis is used to separate and detect cations and anions in a sample substance. According to their properties, cations are usually classified into six groups. Each group has a common reagent which can be used to separate them from the solution.

analysis    →   analiza

Analysis. Chemical analysis is determination of the composition of a sample.

differential thermal analysis    →   diferencijalna termalna analiza

Differential thermal analysis (DTA) is a technique that is often used to analyze materials that react or decompose at higher temperatures. The difference in temperature between the sample and an inert reference material is monitored as both are heated in a furnace. Phase transitions and chemical reactions taking place in the sample on heating cause the temperature difference to become larger, at temperatures that are characteristic of the sample.

qualitative properties    →   kvalitativna svojstva

Qualitative properties are descriptional properties that cannot be defined by precise mathematical values, e.g. scent, taste and colour.

quantitative analysis    →   kvantitativna analiza

Quantitative analysis is the determination of the amount of substances present in a sample.

electroanalytical chemistry    →   elektroanalitička kemija

Electroanalytical chemistry chemistry is the application of electrochemical cells and electrochemical techniques for chemical analysis. The analyte is dissolved in the electrolyte of the cell, and one can perform either qualitative analysis (determination of the type of constituents present) or quantitative analysis (determination of the amount of a given constituent).

acid-base titration    →   kiselo-bazna titracija

Acid-base titration is an analytical technique in volumetric analysis, where an acid of known concentration is used to neutralise a known volume of a base, and the observed volume of the acid required is used to determine the unknown concentration of the base. An acid-base indicator is used to determine the end-point of the titration.

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.

blank determination    →   slijepa proba

Blank determination is a procedure of determining which follows all steps of analysis but in the absence of a sample. It is used for detection and compensation of systematic analysis mistakes.

DTA    →   DTA

DTA is abbreviation for differential thermal analysis.