coulometry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “coulometry” mean?
A technique in analytical chemistry that measures the quantity of electricity (in coulombs) required to completely convert a substance in an electrochemical reaction, used to determine its mass or concentration.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A technique in analytical chemistry that measures the quantity of electricity (in coulombs) required to completely convert a substance in an electrochemical reaction, used to determine its mass or concentration.
Any measurement or calculation of electric charge transfer. By extension, can refer to the methodological framework or theory behind electrochemical charge measurement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
None beyond its precise scientific definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties, confined to electrochemistry and analytical chemistry literature.
Grammar
How to Use “coulometry” in a Sentence
Coulometry is used to determine [SUBSTANCE].The analysis was performed by [METHOD] coulometry.The results from coulometry showed [RESULT].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coulometry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The sample was then coulometrically titrated to determine the endpoint.
American English
- We coulometrically determined the chloride content of the solution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
The primary context. Used in lab procedures, analytical method descriptions, and instrumentation manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coulometry”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coulometry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coulometry”
- Misspelling as 'coloumetry' or 'coulommetry'.
- Confusing it with 'colorimetry' (measurement of colour).
- Using it as a general term for any electrical measurement.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Its main purpose is to determine the mass or concentration of a substance by precisely measuring the electric charge required to convert it completely in an electrochemical reaction.
It is a standard and highly accurate technique in analytical electrochemistry, but it is specialized and not as universally common as simpler titration methods. It is crucial for specific applications like Karl Fischer water determination.
Coulometry measures the total charge (integrated current) to find the total amount of analyte. Voltammetry measures current as a function of applied voltage, providing information about reaction kinetics and thermodynamics, not just total quantity.
It derives from 'coulomb', the SI unit of electric charge (named after physicist Charles-Augustin de Coulomb), and the Greek-derived suffix '-metry', meaning 'measurement'.
A technique in analytical chemistry that measures the quantity of electricity (in coulombs) required to completely convert a substance in an electrochemical reaction, used to determine its mass or concentration.
Coulometry is usually highly technical/scientific in register.
Coulometry: in British English it is pronounced /kuːˈlɒm.ɪ.tri/, and in American English it is pronounced /kuːˈlɑː.mə.tri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None - technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'COULOMB-metery' – measuring coulombs (units of electric charge) in a chemical reaction.
Conceptual Metaphor
ELECTRICITY AS A MEASURING CUP: The total electric charge is a precise 'volume' that directly corresponds to the 'amount' of chemical substance reacted.
Practice
Quiz
What physical quantity is directly measured in a coulometric experiment?