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Quiz yourself on Tests for IonsGet your flashcardsBuild my revision planTrack my progress📋 Advantages of Instrumental Methods
Instrumental methods (such as mass spectrometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and gas chromatography) are increasingly used in chemical analysis instead of, or alongside, traditional chemical tests. Exam papers on every board frequently ask for two advantages.
- More sensitive: Can detect and identify substances present in very small quantities (trace amounts) that chemical tests would miss.
- Faster and more accurate: Give precise results rapidly, with less chance of human error in interpreting colours or observations.
- Identify unknown substances: Techniques such as mass spectrometry give the molecular mass and fragmentation pattern, allowing completely unknown substances to be identified.
- Suitable for very small sample sizes: Chemical tests require a reasonable volume of solution; instrumental methods can work on microscopic samples.
Exam tip: If asked for two advantages, pick any two from the list above. "More sensitive" and "faster/more accurate" are the safest pair to remember.
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