nongravimetric

Nongravimetric refers to measurements or phenomena that are not determined by or related to gravity. In scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry and physics, gravimetric analysis is a quantitative method that relies on measuring mass to determine the amount of an analyte. Therefore, a nongravimetric method would be any analytical technique that does not involve weighing samples or precipitates to achieve its results.

Examples of nongravimetric analytical techniques include volumetric analysis (titration), spectrophotometry, chromatography, and electrochemical methods. Volumetric analysis, for instance, uses the volume of a solution of known concentration that reacts quantitatively with the analyte. Spectrophotometry measures the absorption or transmission of light through a sample, relating it to the concentration of the analyte. Chromatography separates components of a mixture based on their differential partitioning between a stationary and a mobile phase, and detection is often achieved through methods other than mass measurement. Electrochemical methods monitor properties like potential or current, which are indicative of the analyte's concentration or presence. These methods offer alternatives to gravimetric analysis, often providing faster results, requiring smaller sample sizes, or being suitable for analytes that are difficult to precipitate or handle gravimetrically. The choice between gravimetric and nongravimetric techniques depends on factors such as the nature of the analyte, the required precision, available instrumentation, and the overall analytical objective.