Calibration Curves Flashcards
Define an Analyte
The substance in a mixture that is being measured
There can be multiple analytes
Define a Standard Solution
A solution that contains an exact known concentration of analytes
Define a Calibration Curve
A graph representing data collected from a series of standard solutions
A calibration curve for an instrument can determine the uncertainty
Define Calibration
The process of measuring an actual quantity corresponding to an indicated quantity on the scale of an instrument
Lab equipment is calibrated by manufacturers to be precise
What is the a Blank Solution?
What purpose does it serve?
A blank solution is the solvent an analyte is suspended in, without that analyte present.
It’s role is to calibrate equipment to ignore the solvent, and only analyze the analyte.
What is a linear response?
What does it require?
A linear response is a calibration curve where concentration and response from the analytical method are directly proportional.
It requires a blank solution to be run.
What does R squared represent on a Calibration Curve?
How well the data fits the linear trend line.
What are the different types of blanks?
A method blank has undergone all the steps of a procedure
A reagent blank contains the reagent the analyte is suspended in
A field blank has been to the site of sampling
What is the Detection Limit?
The smallest quantity of analyte that is significantly different from the blank
What is the lower limit of Quantitation?
The smallest amount that can be measured with reasonable accuracy
This limit is always higher than the limit of detection, meaning you may be able to detect an analyte but be unable to quantify it after the limit of quantification.
There is an upper and lower limit of quantification
What is a reporting limit?
The limit regulation requires before an analyte has to be reported.
What is a standard addition?
When is it used?
What does it require?
A standard addition is a known quantity of analyte added to an unknown sample.
It is used when an unknown is below the limit of quantification.
The standard addtion amplifies the unknown so it can be determined.
It requires a linear response.
What is the Matrix Effect?
Changes in the response of the analytical method due to salutes other than the analyte
Define an Analyte
The substance being measured
There can be multiple analytes
