Themes > Science > Chemistry > Analytical Chemistry > Methods and Instrumentation > Gravimetry > Introduction

Gravimetry is the quantitative measurement of an analyte by weighing a pure, solid form of the analyte. Obtaining pure solids from solutions containing an unknown amount of a metal ion is done by precipitation.

Since gravimetric analysis is an absolute measurement, it is a principal method for analyzing and preparing primary standards. A typical experimental procedure to determine an unknown concentration of an analyte in solution is as follows:

  • quantitatively precipitate the analyte from solution
  • collect the precipitate by filtering and wash it to remove impurities
  • dry the solid in an oven to remove solvent
  • weigh the solid on an analytical balance
  • calculate the analyte concentration in the original solution based on the weight of the precipitate


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