gravimetric analysis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “gravimetric analysis” mean?
A quantitative chemical analysis method based on measuring the mass of a substance (or a derivative of the substance).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A quantitative chemical analysis method based on measuring the mass of a substance (or a derivative of the substance).
A technique where the amount of an analyte is determined by converting it into a solid compound of known composition that can be isolated and weighed. It relies on precision mass measurements rather than volume or spectroscopic properties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Concept and terminology identical.
Connotations
Carries connotations of classical, fundamental, highly accurate laboratory technique in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency, confined to chemistry, geology, metallurgy, and environmental science contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gravimetric analysis” in a Sentence
[to] perform gravimetric analysis on [substance][substance] is determined by gravimetric analysisgravimetric analysis involves [process]gravimetric analysis based on [principle]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gravimetric analysis” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The gravimetric analysis confirmed the ore's high silver content.
- We shall conduct a gravimetric analysis to ascertain purity.
American English
- Gravimetric analysis is required for the final report.
- The lab's standard procedure is gravimetric analysis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in technical reports for mining, pharmaceuticals, or materials science concerning purity assays.
Academic
Primary context. Used in chemistry, chemical engineering, geology, and environmental science textbooks, lab manuals, and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in analytical chemistry laboratories and industrial quality control for precise composition measurement.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gravimetric analysis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gravimetric analysis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gravimetric analysis”
- Confusing with 'gravitational analysis' (related to gravity fields).
- Using 'gravimetric' to describe general heavy things.
- Misspelling as 'gravimetic' or 'gravymetric'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. While slower than many modern instrumental methods, it is prized for its high accuracy and is often used to validate other techniques or in standard reference material certification.
Typically: 1) Preparation of a solution containing the analyte. 2) Precipitation of the analyte as a pure, filterable compound. 3) Filtration and washing of the precipitate. 4) Drying or igniting the precipitate to a constant mass. 5) Calculating the original analyte mass from the precipitate's mass and known composition.
It derives from 'gravis' (Latin for heavy, weight) and 'metric' (pertaining to measurement). It literally means 'pertaining to measurement by weight'.
Gravimetric analysis measures mass (weight), while volumetric analysis measures volume (e.g., of a solution used in a titration).
A quantitative chemical analysis method based on measuring the mass of a substance (or a derivative of the substance).
Gravimetric analysis is usually technical/scientific in register.
Gravimetric analysis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡræv.ɪˈmet.rɪk əˈnæl.ə.sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡræv.ɪˈme.trɪk əˈnæl.ə.sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Tip the scales (figurative, not a direct idiom for the method)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'gravity' (weight) and 'metric' (measurement) - it's the 'measurement by weight' analysis.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANALYSIS IS WEIGHING (The abstract process of determining quantity is conceptualized as the physical act of measuring mass).
Practice
Quiz
What is the fundamental principle behind gravimetric analysis?