Gravimetric Analysis
Quantitative analysis based on measuring the mass of a product of known composition.
Formula / equation
% analyte = (m_precipitate × factor / m_sample) × 100
Unit
g
In depth
The analyte is converted to an insoluble compound of definite formula, which is filtered, washed, dried or ignited to constant mass and weighed. Because mass is measured directly and very accurately, gravimetry needs no calibration standard and remains a reference method.
Examples in the real world
Determining sulfate by precipitating and weighing barium sulfate after ignition.