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C Chapter 3
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The Language of
Analytical Chemistry
Analytical chemists converse using terminology that conveys
specific meaning to other analytical chemists. To discuss and learn
analytical chemistry you must first understand its language. You are
probably already familiar with some analytical terms, such as
“accuracy” and “precision,” but you may not have placed them in their
appropriate analytical context. Other terms, such as “analyte” and
“matrix,” may be less familiar. This chapter introduces many important
terms routinely used by analytical chemists. Becoming comfortable
with these terms will make the material in the chapters that follow
easier to read and understand.
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