Gasometric analysis is the process of analyzing the composition of gases. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription: /ɡæsəˈmɛtrɪk əˈnæləsɪs/. The stress is on the second syllable, "me", while the first syllable, "gas", is pronounced with a short "a" sound as in "cat". The "o" in "metric" is pronounced with a short "u" sound as in "up". Lastly, "analysis" is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable and a long "a" as in "hay".
Gasometric analysis is a quantitative method used in chemistry to determine the composition or quantity of gases present in a given sample. It involves measuring the amount of gas produced or consumed during a chemical reaction to determine the concentration of a specific gas component or to infer the overall composition of a mixture.
In gasometric analysis, several techniques can be employed to separate and quantify individual gas components. One common method is gas collection, where a gas sample is trapped and isolated from other substances before subjecting it to analysis. Another method is gas absorption, which involves dissolving the gas components in a suitable solvent and then analyzing the concentration of the dissolved gases.
The analysis often involves chemical reactions to convert the gas components into more easily measurable forms. For example, in determining the concentration of a specific gas, it may undergo a reaction with a known reagent that leads to the formation of a compound or product that can be measured quantitatively.
Gasometric analysis plays a vital role in various scientific and industrial applications. It is commonly utilized in environmental monitoring to assess air quality and detect pollutants and greenhouse gases. It is also widely used in the chemical industry to monitor and control gas concentrations during production processes. Furthermore, gasometric analysis is valuable in medical and clinical fields for assessing respiratory function and diagnosing certain diseases.
The determination of the nature and relative proportion of the gases in a mixture.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "gasometric" is derived from two components: "gas" and "metric".
1. "Gas" comes from the Greek word "khasis", meaning "air" or "wind". It was later adapted into the Latin word "gas" in the 17th century to refer to any substance that expands to occupy indefinite space and can be compressed. This term was initially used to describe "chaotic particles" or "air-like substances". The concept of gases as a distinct form of matter gained recognition in the 18th century.
2. "Metric" originates from the Latin word "metrum", which means "measure" or "meter". It is related to the Greek word "metron", which has a similar meaning. The word "metric" is commonly employed in scientific and mathematical contexts to describe measurement systems.
Therefore, "gasometric" refers to the measurement or analysis of gases.