Understanding Quantitative Analysis in Chemistry

Understanding Quantitative Analysis in Chemistry Quantitative analysis refers to the determination of how much of a given component is present in a sample. The quantity may be expressed in terms of mass, concentration, or relative abundance of one or all components of a sample. Here are a few sample results of quantitative analysis: Ore contains 42.88% silver by mass.The chemical reaction yielded 3.22 moles of product.The solution is 0.102 M NaCl. Quantitative Versus Qualitative Analysis Qualitative analysis tells what is in a sample, while quantitative analysis is used to tell how much is in a sample. The two types of analysis are often used together and are considered examples of analytical chemistry. Methods Used in Quantitative Analysis Several methods are used to quantify a sample. These may be broadly classified as either physical  or chemical methods. Physical methods measure a physical property, such as adsorption of light, density, and magnetic susceptibility. Examples of physical methods include: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (AES)Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS)trace element analysisx-ray fluorescence spectroscopyICP-AESICP-MS Chemical methods involve chemical reactions, such as oxidation, precipitation, or neutralization to form a new chemical compound. Examples of chemical methods include: Titration (volumetric analysis)Gravimetric analysisVarious wet chemistry testsCombustion analysisInert gas fusion Often physical and chemical methods overlap. In addition, mathematics is used in quantitative analysis. Statistics are particularly useful for analyzing data. The primary tool for quantitative analysis is the analytical balance or scale, which is used to measure mass precisely. Glassware, such as the volumetric flask, is also important. For analytical chemistry, a typical balance measures mass to 0.1 of a milligram. A sensitivity of about a thousand times is needed for microanalytical work. Why Quantitative Analysis Is Important Its important to know the quantity of all or part of a sample for several reasons. If youre performing a chemical reaction, quantitative analysis helps you predict how much product to expect and to determine your actual yield. Some reactions take place when the concentration of one component reaches a critical level. For example, an analysis of radioactive material might indicate there is enough of a key component for the specimen to undergo spontaneous fission! Quantitative analysis is crucial to the formulation and testing of food and drugs, as it is used to measure nutrient levels and provide an accurate accounting of dosage. It is also  critical in determining the level of contaminants or the impurity of a sample. While qualitative analysis might be able to determine the presence of lead in the paint on a toy, for example, quantitative analysis detects how much concentration exists. Medical tests rely on quantitative analysis for information about a patients health. For example, quantitative analysis techniques can determine blood cholesterol levels or the ratio of lipoproteins in plasma or the amount of protein excreted in urine. Here again, quantitative analysis complements qualitative analysis, since the latter identifies the nature of a chemical while the former tells you how much there is. Quantitative tests of a mineral may be used to determine whether its practical to mine it for a specific element or compound. Quantitative tests are used to verify that products meet manufacturer or regulatory specifications.

Determining the Costs of College

Determining the Costs of College How much does college cost? This question is tricky because it depends on the college you will be attending, as well as when you will be attending. Here are some important factors to consider. Private vs. Public The tuition at private colleges is more than double the tuition of a public college. According to the College Board, the cost of a years tuition in 2018-2019, plus room and board, averaged $36,890 for private colleges and $26,290 for public colleges. Inflation It doesnt matter is you will be attending a private or public university, the cost of tuition goes up every year. Many financial experts estimate that the cost of college will increase at approximately 6% each year over the next 10 years. Financial Aid Just thinking about the rising costs of college tuition is enough to make your head spin. Before worrying that you will never be able to afford a years worth of college tuition, let alone four years, consider these two words: financial aid. Financial aid is available to those who need it. And, the good news is that there is a lot of it. Grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs, will help to cover the cost of college. All you have to do is educate yourself in regards to how aid works and how you can get it.