ABSTRACT
Quantitative analytical chemistry is divided into two groups, wet chemistry and instrumental methods. The first of the two wet chemical methods is the gravimetric method of analysis. The measurement step in a gravimetric method is weighing. A weighed sample is dissolved, after which an excess of precipitating reagent is added. The precipitate is filtered, washed, dried or ignited, and weighed. In the usual gravimetric procedures, from the measurement of the original sample and the weight of the precipitate, the percentage content of the analyte in the sample is calculated. The gravimetric factor is calculated by dividing the weight of 1 mol of the substance of interest with the weight of 1 mol of the precipitated compound. Gravimetric methods compare favorably with other analytical techniques in terms of accuracy attained. If the analyte is a major constituent of the sample, the gravimetric method offers great accuracy.
