Volumetric analysis is a method in chemistry where the amount of a substance in a sample is determined by measuring the volume of a solution of known concentration that reacts with it.
Explanation:
- Instead of weighing a solid (like in gravimetric analysis), we use liquids and measure their volumes.
- The reaction between the two solutions must be complete and well-defined.
Steps in simple terms:
- Prepare a solution of known concentration (called the standard solution).
- React it with the unknown solution.
- Measure the volume needed for the reaction to finish (often using an indicator to show the end point).
- Calculate the amount or concentration of the unknown substance from the volume used.
Key point: Volumetric analysis is faster than gravimetric analysis and is commonly used in laboratories to determine concentrations of acids, bases, or other solutions.