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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2002  > May  >
In the Laboratory
External Standards or Standard Addition? Selecting and Validating a Method of Standardization
David T. Harvey
Department of Chemistry, DePauw University, Greencastle, IN 46135

Cover
May 2002
Vol. 79 No. 5
p. 613

Abstract
A common feature of many problem-based laboratories in analytical chemistry is a lengthy independent project involving the analysis of "real-world" samples. Students research the literature, adapting and developing a method suitable for their analyte, sample matrix, and problem scenario. Because these projects encompass the complete analytical process, students must consider issues such as obtaining a representative sample, selecting a method of analysis, developing a suitable standardization, validating results, and implementing appropriate quality assessment/quality control practices. Most textbooks and monographs suitable for an undergraduate course in analytical chemistry, however, provide only limited coverage of these important topics. The need for short laboratory experiments emphasizing important facets of method development, such as selecting a method of standardization, is evident. The experiment reported here, which is suitable for an introductory course in analytical chemistry, illustrates the importance of matrix effects when selecting a method of standardization. Students also learn how a spike recovery is used to validate an analytical method, and obtain a practical experience in the difference between performing an external standardization and a standard addition.
Supplement
Copies of laboratory handouts, notes for instructors, and sample data sets are available.
*  Contents JCE2002p613W.doc (Microsoft Word)
*  Download
JCE2002p0613W.pdf

JCE2002p0613W.zip

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More Information
*  Citation
Harvey, David T. J. Chem. Educ. 2002 79 613.
*  Keywords
Analytical Chemistry; Quantitative Analysis; Statistics / Data Analysis
*  History
Created:
Last Updated:
April 1, 2002
March 16, 2005
  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2002  > May  > Page 613


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