Instrumental Analysis Final Exam –
Calibration, Quantitative Methods &
Spectroscopic Principles |Complete
Verified Questions Provided with A+
Graded Rationales Latest Updated
2026
What is calibration and for which type of analysis is it used?
process of assessing and refining accuracy and precision of a method used for quantitative
analysis
What is external calibration?
Series of standards consisting of 1 blank and several non-zero standards with inc
concentration. Prepared separately from the sample.
When is external calibration used?
when there are no interfering effects from matrix components
What is standard addition calibration?
Direct addition (spiking of sample) of known amounts of analyte in the sample and monitor
changes in instrument response
When is standard addition calibration used?
Used to determine concentration of analyte in complex matrix (helps overcome matrix effect)
What is the matrix effect?
Changes in response due to the matrix seen as a loss in response (ion suppression) or as an
increase in response (ion enhancement)
What is internal standard calibration?
Known quantity of compound chemically similar to analyte is mixed with unknown solution
When is internal standard calibration used?
Used if uncontrolled loss of sample occurs (during sample prep or analytical procedure)
, What are 4 types of blanks used in analytical runs for quantitative analysis?
calibration blank, method blank, reagent blank, solvent blank
What can a calibration blank determine?
instrument working range
What can a method blank determine?
lab sources of contamination
What can a reagent blank determine?
determination/correction for the effects of reagent
What can a solvent blank determine?
monitoring of carry-over effect
What is the carry-over effect?
A prior sample showing up in the next sample's analysis
What is precision?
a measure of how close a series of measurements are to one another
What is accuracy?
a measure of how close the mean set of results are to the reference value
What is the limit of detection (LOD)?
lowest concentration of analyte that can be detected (or distinguished from the background
noise)
What is robustness?
Ability of analytical method to be unaffected by small, deliberate changes in operating
parameters
Why should an analytical procedure be validated (for quant)?
Results should be consistent, reliable, and accurate
What are the 3 energy levels from lowest to highest energy?
rotational < vibrational < electronic
Calibration, Quantitative Methods &
Spectroscopic Principles |Complete
Verified Questions Provided with A+
Graded Rationales Latest Updated
2026
What is calibration and for which type of analysis is it used?
process of assessing and refining accuracy and precision of a method used for quantitative
analysis
What is external calibration?
Series of standards consisting of 1 blank and several non-zero standards with inc
concentration. Prepared separately from the sample.
When is external calibration used?
when there are no interfering effects from matrix components
What is standard addition calibration?
Direct addition (spiking of sample) of known amounts of analyte in the sample and monitor
changes in instrument response
When is standard addition calibration used?
Used to determine concentration of analyte in complex matrix (helps overcome matrix effect)
What is the matrix effect?
Changes in response due to the matrix seen as a loss in response (ion suppression) or as an
increase in response (ion enhancement)
What is internal standard calibration?
Known quantity of compound chemically similar to analyte is mixed with unknown solution
When is internal standard calibration used?
Used if uncontrolled loss of sample occurs (during sample prep or analytical procedure)
, What are 4 types of blanks used in analytical runs for quantitative analysis?
calibration blank, method blank, reagent blank, solvent blank
What can a calibration blank determine?
instrument working range
What can a method blank determine?
lab sources of contamination
What can a reagent blank determine?
determination/correction for the effects of reagent
What can a solvent blank determine?
monitoring of carry-over effect
What is the carry-over effect?
A prior sample showing up in the next sample's analysis
What is precision?
a measure of how close a series of measurements are to one another
What is accuracy?
a measure of how close the mean set of results are to the reference value
What is the limit of detection (LOD)?
lowest concentration of analyte that can be detected (or distinguished from the background
noise)
What is robustness?
Ability of analytical method to be unaffected by small, deliberate changes in operating
parameters
Why should an analytical procedure be validated (for quant)?
Results should be consistent, reliable, and accurate
What are the 3 energy levels from lowest to highest energy?
rotational < vibrational < electronic
