Hello, my name is Andrea, and I'm a first-year Collège Ahuntsic student studying analytical chemistry. I made this glossary for my fellow students and for anybody who has an interest in analytical chemistry. It breaks down technical words into simpler language so you can better comprehend and use them in practical situations like evaluating environmental samples or analyzing medications.
Twenty key terms are included in the glossary, along with brief definitions and useful examples. To make sure that terminology are precise and useful, I collected them from reliable web sources.
Please feel free to utilize this glossary to expand your analytical chemistry knowledge.
accuracy
noun
The degree to which the result of a measurement, calculation, or specification conforms to the correct value or a standard.
Example: This was performed to achieve a low concentration in higher ACCURACY as to offset the error incurred due to weighing small quantities with the top-pan balance.
en: exactitude
acid
noun
A chemical substance that neutralizes alkalis, dissolves some metals, and turns litmus red; typically, a corrosive or sour-tasting liquid of this kind.
Example: When doing a titration, add the acid gradually to the base before the solution hits the desired goal.
en: acide
aliquot
noun
A portion of a larger whole, especially a sample taken for chemical analysis or other treatment.
Example: The quantity of nitric nitrogen present in the aliquot part of the solution must not exceed the maximum quantity expressed in Table 1.
en: aliquote
burette
noun
A graduated glass tube with a tap at one end, for delivering known volumes of a liquid, especially in titrations.
Example: Using a burette, transfer the silver nitrate solution (3.2) in such a way that an excess of 5 ml is obtained.
en: burette
calibration
noun
The action or process of calibrating an instrument or experimental readings.
Example: The data stored in this file is applied for correction of all subsequent calibration measurements and sample analyses, until a new tare file is created.
en: calibrage
chromatography
noun
The separation of a mixture by passing it in solution or suspension or as a vapor (as in gas chromatography) through a medium in which the components move at different rates.
Example: Sorbic acid extracted in ethyl ether is separated by thin layer chromatography and its concentration is evaluated semi-quantitatively.
en: chromatographie
erlenmeyer
noun
A conical flat-bottomed laboratory flask with a narrow neck.
Example: The flame shall be regulated in such a way that only the base of the Erlenmeyer is heated.
en: erlenmeyer
filter paper
noun
A piece of porous paper for filtering liquids, used especially in chemical processes and coffee-making.
Example: Filter the warm solution through an ash-free filter paper and wash the residue with warm water until the acid reaction is no longer visible.
en: papier filtre
fume hood
noun
A ventilated enclosure in a chemistry laboratory, in which harmful volatile chemicals can be used or kept.
Example: All experiments shall be performed in a fume hood in a room that may be well ventilated.
en: hotte aspirante
funnel
noun
A tube or pipe that is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, used for guiding liquid or powder into a small opening.
Example: Use the funnel to transfer the acid.
en: entonnoir
glass rod
noun
A piece of laboratory equipment used to mix chemicals.
Example: Stir with a glass rod for one minute, leave any precipitate to settle for five minutes.
en: tige de verre
graduated cylinder
noun
A cylindrical tube used for measuring volumes of liquids.
Example: Fill the graduated cylinder to the 100ml mark with water.
en: cylindre gradué
hot plate
noun
A flat surface with heating elements.
Example: Place the crucible on the hot-plate and heat gradually until the substance carbonises.
en: plaque chauffante
lab coat
noun
A white protective coat worn by workers in a laboratory.
Example: Remember that your lab coat adds an extra layer.
en: blouse de laboratoire
pipette bulb
noun
A type of laboratory tool commonly used in chemistry and biology to transport a measured volume of liquid, often as a media dispenser.
Example: To draw liquid into the pipette, use the pipette bulb to create a vacuum and then release it to fill the pipette with the desired amount of liquid.
en: poire à pipette
safety glasses
noun
Toughened glasses or goggles for protecting the eyes when using power tools or industrial or laboratory equipment.
Example: Protect your hands and eyes with gloves and safety glasses.
en: lunettes de sécurité
sample
noun
A specimen taken for scientific testing or analysis.
Example: A sample of glass carbon is taken for analysis.
en: échantillon
solvent
noun
The liquid in which a solute is dissolved to form a solution.
Example: The solvent is evaporated and the weight of residue determined.
en: solvant
spatula
noun
A small stainless steel utensils, used for scraping, transferring, or applying powders and paste-like chemicals or treatments.
Example: Use the spatula to move the powder into the container.
