2 Analytical instrumentation and principles

Resumen

Analytical instrumentation provides information about chemical and physical properties of substances and about individual components of samples. Data obtained in thisway can be used either for quantitative or qualitative purposes. Nowadays, devicesused as analytical instruments have advanced substantively, increasing not only theiraccuracy but also their versatility and easiness of use. An instrument for analysis converts the information about chemical or physical properties of some analyte to informa-tion that can be interpreted. In this context, several definitions should be considered:–Analytical technique: This is a chemical or physical principle used to study ananalyte.–Analytical method: This is the application of a technique or a set of techniques toanalyze a specific analyte in a specific matrix or used in a sample to know quali-tatively and/or quantitatively the composition and the chemical state in which it islocated.–Analytical process: This process has instructions to use an analytical method.–Analytical protocol: This protocol has specific guidelines with all steps necessary todevelop a specific analytical method.