Basics of Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Equilibria
by Brian M Tissue
Analytical Chemistry is the science of making measurements, which can range from classical wet methods, qualitative sample identification, to advanced instrumentation. This text is designed for second-year sophomore students to gain a basic understanding of aqueous chemical equilibria and the principles underlying the most common instrumental methods in chemistry.
Even after completing general chemistry, many students still rely on memorizing algorithmic formulas to solve problems. The textbook chapters include numerous sample calculations to serve as models and end-of-chapter exercises for student practice. Appropriate places in each chapter refer students to you-try-it spreadsheets. These provide realistic calculations and are integrated within the chapter topics. Step-by-step guides provide guidance to complete these spreadsheet exercises.
The format of the text is designed to:
focus on the most important core concepts of analytical chemistry
provide a more affordable textbook compared to current offerings
can be completed in one semester
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Pedagogical Approach
Part I: Reactions that go to completion.
Chapter 1 - Introduction to Analytical Measurements
Chapter 2 - Sample Preparation, Extractions, and Chromatography
Chapter 3 - Classical Methods
Chapter 4 - Molecular Spectroscopy (UV/Vis and fluorescence)
Part II: Reactions that do not go to completion: Equilibria in aqueous solutions.
Chapter 5 - Acid-Base Equilibria and Activity
Chapter 6 - Buffer Solutions and Polyprotic Acids
Chapter 7 - Complexation and Precipitation Equilibria
Part III: Introduction to instrumentation.
Chapter 8 - Redox and Electroanalytical Chemistry
Chapter 9 - Atomic Spectrometry
Chapter 10 - Analytical Separations
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Organization of the Text
Having taught analytical topics at the freshman through graduate levels, I've tried to construct a sophomore-level text that is focused on core concepts and can be completed in one semester. My broad goals are twofold:
convey foundational concepts of quantitative analysis
develop student problem-solving skills
Concepts that I consider foundational include proper data handling, wet-chemical methods for sample preparation and analysis, an understanding of sample chemistry before and during analysis, i.e., simultaneous chemical equilibria, and basic principles of instrumental methods. Many of these topics follow directly from general chemistry, but build in complexity. In Bloom's taxonomy the course pushes students away from the recall of facts to application and synthesis. A key outcome on completing this course is that a student will be able to follow analytical protocols and know why the various steps are necessary to achieve accurate results.
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Outcomes
Advice to Students
To become adept at any endeavor, sports, music, crafts, we all must practice. There is no substitute for time on task.
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Teaching Experience
CHEM 1035/1036: General Chemistry
The place to start.
CHEM 2114: Analytical Chemistry
Sophomore-level analytical chemistry stressing analytical concepts, aqueous equilibria, separations, electrochemistry, and spectrometry.
CHEM 4114: Instrumental Analysis
Senior-level lecture and lab course on the principles and applications of atomic and molecular spectrometry, chromatography, and electrochemistry.
CHEM 5134: Instrument Design
Graduate-level course on data analysis, optics, electronics, vacuum systems, and the construction of analytical instruments.
CHEM 6164: Current Topics - Bioanalytical Spectroscopy
Graduate-level course on principles of UV-vis spectroscopy, emphasizing fluorescence and bioanalytical applications.
About the Author
Brian Tissue has been teaching analytical chemistry at a variety of levels since 1993. This text represents his integrated approach to analytical concepts and chemical equilibrium for the sophomore-level. It stresses data and measurement concepts, chemical equilibria, and introduces instrumental methods.
Professional Experience
Associate Professor, Virginia Tech, Department of Chemistry, 4/99 - present.
Program Director, National Science Foundation, Division of Chemistry, 9/03 - 12/04.
Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech, Department of Chemistry, 8/93 - 4/99.
Postdoctoral Associate, Los Alamos National Lab, 1991-1993.
Postdoctoral Associate, University of Georgia, 1988-1991.