The concentration of cadmium in an unknown sample was determined using flame AAS

Question

The concentration of cadmium in an unknown sample was determined using flame AAS. A calibration curve was generated by measuring the signals of a set of standard solutions. The unknown sample has a measured absorbance of A = 1.437 which yielded a concentration of [Cd] = 12.71 ppm based on the calibration curve. A second experimental technique was used to determine cadmium, and it resulted in an accurate value for cadmium of [Cd] = 16.28 ppm. Explain why the cadmium concentration determined by AAS was in error.

Explanation / Answer

The cadmium concentration as determined by AAS and electrochemical technique differed from each other. The concentration as calculated from AAS was in error possibly due to the fact that not all the original sample dissolved (went) in the solution. Thus the net concentration of cadmium in the sample solution used for the AAS measurement was lower than the cadmium present in the original sample and we get lower value by AAS.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.