ANALYSIS
Text: The ascertainment of the identity and/or the concentration of the constituents or components of a sample. [Authors of papers on quantitative analysis frequently use analysis incorrectly in place of determination (q.v.). Only samples can be analyzed; constituents or components are determined. Examples of correct usage are: Analysis of steel for Mn, Cu, and Ni; determination of Mn, Cu, and Ni in steel.]
See Also:
Source: 5