Instrumental Analysis

Instrumental Analysis

Introduction to Instrumental Analysis

• Instrumental analysis involves using instruments to quantitatively measure physical properties of substances like heat, light, and radiation.
• Analysed substances often include gases, solids and liquids.
• It’s a key technique in the study of analytical chemistry.

Types of Instrumental Analysis

Mass Spectrometry

• A technique used to determine the molecular mass of a sample.
• Uses ionisation of the sample and subsequent deflection by magnetic fields.

Infrared Spectroscopy

• This identifies functional groups within molecules.
• It works by looking at how a molecule absorbs infrared radiation.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy

• NMR spectroscopy is used to identify the structure of organic molecules.
• It hinges on the absorption of radiowaves by certain nuclei in a magnetic field.

Benefits of Instrumental Analysis

• Instrumental analysis allows for automatic and rapid analysis that can be conducted with only small quantities of a substance.
• Reduced risk of human error.
• Can analyse multiple properties simultaneously.

Limitations of Instrumental Analysis

• Need for technical expertise to operate and interpret results.
• Potential for mechanical error.
• Analysis may not supply the full structure of a complex molecule, just part of it.

Significance of Instrumental Analysis

• Instrumental analysis has significant application in fields such as forensics, medicine, environmental health, and food science.
• Provides precise data for research in the chemical and drug industries.

Remember, success in answering questions about instrumental analysis depends on understanding what each technique is for, the principles it’s based on, and how to apply it.