Gravimetric analysis

Gravimetric analysis describes a set of methods used in analytical chemistry for the quantitative determination of an analyte (the ion being analyzed) based on its mass. The principle of this type of analysis is that once an ion's mass has been determined as a unique compound, that known measurement can then be used to determine the same analyte's mass in a mixture, as long as the relative quantities of the other constituents are known. The four main types of this method of analysis are precipitation, volatilization, electro-analytical, and miscellaneous physical method. The methods involve changing the phase of the analyte to separate it in its pure form from the original mixture and are quantitative measurements. Gravimetric analysis provides for exceedingly precise analysis. In fact, gravimetric analysis was used to determine the atomic masses of many elements in the periodic table to six figure accuracy. Gravimetry provides very little room for instrument error and does not require a series of standards for calculation of an unknown. Also, gravimetric methods often do not require expensive equipment. Due to its high degree of accuracy, gravimetric analysis can also be used to calibrate other instruments instead of using reference standards. To some extent, gravimetric analysis has been displaced by spectroscopic methods, which are faster, highly specific, and entail less intervention.