Random errors in analytical methods

Abstract

The classification of random errors in analytical chemistry is developed in this paper. It is shown that in the most general case the analyst can meet five random errors: additive, transitive, multiplicative, transitive-non-linear and non-linear. Their values are proportional to element concentration to the powers 0, ½, 1, and 2, respectively. At the same time the dependence of the standard deviation on the concentration in each instance is raised to a power from 0 to 2. This theory is in close agreement with experimental data.

The standard deviation in instrumental analytical measurements is calculated. The theoretical and practical meaning of these results is discussed.