Gravimetrikus

Gravimetrikus is a term used in Hungarian to describe methods, instruments, and data related to gravimetry, the field of quantitative analysis that determines the amount of a substance by measuring mass. It denotes approaches in which mass measurements are central to the analytical result.

In practice, gravimetric analysis involves forming an insoluble compound of the analyte, such as a precipitate or a stable residue, isolating it from the solution by filtration or other separation, drying or igniting it to a constant mass, and weighing with a precise balance. The mass of the final solid is related to the amount of the target species through stoichiometry, allowing calculation of concentration or total quantity.

Common gravimetric methods include precipitation as a low-solubility salt, followed by purification and drying, as well as procedures that account for moisture or volatile content. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) is related, measuring mass change as a function of temperature to study composition, hydration, or decomposition.

Gravimetrikus techniques are characterized by high accuracy and independence from calibration against standards, provided that the chemical reactions are complete and the precipitate is pure. Limitations include long analysis times, the need for suitable precipitating reactions, and potential errors from incomplete precipitation or moisture content.

Applications span environmental monitoring, mineral and materials analysis, and classical qualitative-quantitative chemistry. The term emphasizes mass-based quantification as opposed to response-based instrumental methods.

See also: Gravimetry, Gravimetric analysis, Thermal gravimetric analysis, Analytical chemistry.