Importance of chemical analysis in identifying elements in compounds

Since centuries, man has been taking keen interest in compounds, elements and their nature. They want to know how they came into existence and how they react with each other. This gave rise to the concept of chemistry. The name has originated from Arabic word “alchemy” which literally means spells and enchantments. It is believed that in alchemy, it is quite possible to change all the metals to gold and there is an elixir which can make you immortal.

With the passage of time, man not only experimented with reactions between different compounds and substances but began to analyze every single element present in the chemical substances. To attain this purpose, it was important to create powerful machines and tools as atoms are present at microscopic levels. Working with them requires some quantitative techniques that can assist in looking into the matter form.

This gave birth to analyzing devices like Atomic absorption spectrophotometer and gas chromatograph that helped chemist to research the compounds and understand how they are made.

Atomic absorption spectrometer works on the principle of the absorption of lights by elements in the compound. At first, a known element or compound is put under observation to watch the amount of radiation it absorbs. The compound under question is kept under analysis. Afterwards, the amount of light absorbed by this unknown compound is noted. After the completion of this process, Beer-lamberts law is used to create a relationship among two using the formula. Finally, the unknown compound or element is obtained.

Gas chromatograph is another technique for analysis where two phases are involved namely, gas phase and liquid phase. The gas phase is mobile while liquid is kept stationary. The compound under analysis is superheated to obtain a gaseous mixture of elements. This mixture is later allowed to pass through a glass column that is coated in the inner wall with liquid stationary phase. After the gas passes through the column, each and every element occupies a space at some point of the tube. The elements can be dissected and analyzed properly using this compound. These techniques have been accepted widely. It is because of the advancement of science whereby it has become possible to simplify chemistry to elemental and atomic levels. If these devices were not present, it would have been difficult to get the inventions and advancements right on time.