The spelling of the phrase "standard solution" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈstændəd səˈluʃən/. The first syllable "stand" is pronounced with the /æ/ sound as in "cat". The second syllable "ard" is pronounced with the /ɑː/ sound as in "car". The third syllable "sol" is pronounced with the /səʊl/ sound as in "soul", while the final syllable "u-tion" is pronounced with the /əˈluʃən/ sound as in "solution".
A standard solution is a pre-determined solution with a precisely known concentration or content of a particular substance, which is used as a reference or comparison in chemical analysis or experiments. Typically, it is prepared by accurately weighing or measuring a known amount of a pure substance and dissolving it in a suitable solvent to obtain a specific volumetric concentration.
Standard solutions are commonly employed in various scientific fields, such as chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmaceuticals. They serve as a reference point or calibration material against which the concentration or content of unknown substances can be determined.
The key characteristic of a standard solution is its known concentration that can be used as a basis for quantitative analysis. By comparing the properties or reactions of an unknown solution with those of a standard solution, it is possible to determine the concentration or content of the unknown substance accurately.
Standard solutions are typically stored and labeled with the pertinent information, including the precise concentration, the date of preparation, and the method of analysis used. This information ensures reproducibility and traceability of the measurements.
Common examples of standard solutions include acid-base solutions with known concentrations, solutions of known molecular weight compounds, and solutions with known ion concentrations. They play a critical role in various analytical techniques like titrations, spectrophotometry, chromatology, and quantitative assays.
A solution of known strength, usually a normal solution, employed in volumetric analysis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "standard" originated from the Latin word "standardum", which referred to a military flag or banner. Over time, it came to mean "something set up as a rule for others".
The word "solution" has its roots in the Latin word "solutio", meaning "loosening" or "untying", which evolved to become "solutionem" in Old French, specifically referring to the process of dissolving.
When these two words are combined, "standard solution" refers to a solution with known concentrations of compounds or ions that is used as a reference or benchmark for comparison in analytical chemistry.