9.8C - Instrumental methods of analysis
Instruments can detect or measure properties of a sample. Learn how they may improve sensitivity, accuracy and speed, and why suitable calibration and clean samples still matter.
What an instrument can improve
An instrumental method of analysis uses an instrument to detect or measure a property of a sample and produce a signal or reading. This can supplement observations such as visible flame colours or precipitates.
| Possible advantage | What it means | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| sensitivity | detecting small amounts or lower concentrations | a trace amount may produce a measurable signal even when a colour is too faint to see |
| accuracy | closeness to the true or accepted value | a suitable, calibrated instrument can reduce measurement error and reliance on judgement by eye |
| speed | obtaining analytical results more quickly | automated readings can reduce manual steps and process many samples efficiently |
These advantages describe the analysis. Faster analysis does not necessarily mean a chemical reaction occurs faster. For example, a machine may record a result automatically instead of an operator adding several reagents and waiting for each observation.
For this point, you need the possible benefits, not the internal workings of a particular instrument.
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