Analytical Chemistry

Research and discoveries in the field of analytical chemistry are massively influential in other scientific areas and society, as it's contributed to the development of environmental corrections and diagnosing health issues.

What is Analytical Chemistry? - Definition & Impact

To first understand analytical chemistry, it's important to comprehend the basics of chemistry that is, the study of matter since analytical chemistry is an area of study within this field of study.

Analytical Chemistry is the qualitative as well as quantitative analysis of material, i.e. what's present and the amount. This definition of analytical chemistry is one of the reasons why some argue that analytical chemistry isn't a sub-discipline of chemical chemistry. It's actually the same, according to David Harvey, a professor of chemistry in DePauw University.

 

Harvey clarifies that analytical chemistry isn't exactly the same because analytical chemists don't conduct routine analyses using routine samples. An analytical chemist is that process of "improving established methods, extending existing methods to new types of samples, and developing new methods for measuring chemical phenomena."

 

In the simplest sense, analytical chemistry defines what is the subject matter and the amount (the weight) of that matter is present.

Analytical Chemistry's Impact

The discipline that is analytical chemistry highly influential in our perception of the physical world as well as for the advancement of other scientists' studies. The research provides the world with knowledge and tools for further understanding of physical objects. This is why it has had a phenomenal impact on society.

 

For example, a popular breakthrough provided doctors to diagnose or see indications of a possible diagnosis of diabetes by the measurement of glucose.

What is an Example of Analytical Chemistry?

We can illustrate the analytical chemistry with an example from a report by the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding an overseas U.S. Air Force base using powdered milk for meals.

 

Powdered milk has to be rehydrated, and this base made use of the local water and received complaints about milk that was foul tasting which led to the conclusion that something was polluting the water. Analytical chemists are able to analyze the water by identifying the pollutants in the water and, thus, finding the source of the pollution.

 

Analytical chemists' job is to develop an effective method to separate the chemical compounds present in water. For example High-performance liquid chromatography is a method to detect the presence of contaminants in liquids. In the end, chemist's findings showed that upstream chemical plants caused the polluted water.

What are Analytical Chemists doing?

In modern analytical chemistry, analytical chemists solve problems by measuring their chemical properties of compounds using quantitative and qualitative analysis. Their objective is to address the following four questions about an element What is it? Where is it? What amount is there? What is its composition and structure?

Process of Analysis

The typical process of analytical sciences is five steps. These steps include finding, designing, testing with, analyzing and sharing the solution.

1. Identify

The identification stage is the process of an analytical chemist who determines the problem they're trying solve. It is also about selecting the kind of test to employ, i.e., qualitative or quantitative, structure or fundamental.

 

In this phase chemical analysts will determine the required accuracy of their research, their budget, as well as the period of time.

2. Design

The process of designing the experiment involves selecting a method, strategy, and sample. One important factor a chemical analyst needs to know is what tools and techniques are available to solve the issue they're trying to address.

3. Experiment

After identifying the issue and planning the experiment, the chemical analyst performs their experiments with the appropriate instruments and equipment in their laboratory.

 

Experiments that require chemical separation can involve distillation, precipitation, extraction of solvents, solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography or electrochemical analysis. At this point, the purpose is to collect data during the process.

4. Analyze Data

Next, the chemical analyst reviews the information using statistical analysis to determine its reliability, verification of accuracy and limitations, as well as interpreting their findings for the client. The chemist repeats the second, third, and fourth steps to validate the solution.

Types of Chemical Analyst Employers

Many sectors employ analytical chemists. some of the most popular fields are:

 

• Pharmaceutical companies

• Government agencies

• Industrial industry

• Testing labs

• Biological industry

• Sector of the environment

• Drug manufacturing companies

• Energy and Petrochemical companies

• Non-profit organization

Typical Hours of Work

Chemical analysts are constantly in the laboratory environment and are required to work a minimum of 40-hour week or more. The main responsibility of analytical chemists is meeting deadlines, that may mean working longer than 40 hours a week.

Chemical Analyst Average Salary

Based on GlassDoor the analytical chemist earns an average annually of $52k, the wages for positions at the top and positions of leadership range from $86,143 to $89,451.

How Many Years Does it Take to Study Analytical Chemistry?

Chemists with an interest in analytical research should obtain a bachelor's degree in engineering, biochemistry or chemistry. In addition, they should be involved in research assisted by a mentor and complete a chemical internship.

 

Chemists who graduate from a four-year institution are well on their journey to becoming a chemical engineer. However, those who wish to pursue research or seek an increase in their average earnings are advised to continue their education for a master's degree.

Qualifications

• High School diploma

• Bachelor's degree that focuses on courses in chemistry, math or physics.

• Internships for laboratory technicians and/or research in a laboratory

• Master's or Ph.D. to teach or work for companies that deal in analytical chemistry such as analytical chemistry labs in South Africa

• Join a scientific organization to keep up-to-date with the scientific community , such as ACS chemists (American Chemical Society).

Skills & Knowledge

• Advanced organic and general chemistry knowledge

• Mathematics (Calculus)

• Engineering and computer skills

• Mass spectroscopy

• High-performance liquid chromatography

• Advanced communication skills

• Thinking, logic, and solving problems

• Analytical techniques

• Data analysis

• Analysis of Gravimetrics

 

The time required in order to be an analytic chemist takes approximately four to five years. You can add an additional two to six years to earn a master's degree or Ph.D.

Final Thoughts: What is Analytical Chemistry in Simple Terms?

Analytical Chemistry is a field within the field of chemistry. It involves defining matter by defining what it is and how much of it that exists. The practice is a complex career for chemists that seek to develop the science field and to better understand the properties of nature.

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