Upchurch: Glossary of Terms
This glossary of terms has been compiled for your convenience. To view the terms and their descriptions, click a letter from the list below.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
Activity
In ADSORPTION CHROMATOGRAPHY, the relative strength of the surface of the packing material. There are ways, which vary as to the nature of the packing material itself, to modify and control the activity of this surface.
Adapter
A union with different threads on each end; generally used to connect two different types of tubing together. [see graphic]
Adsorb
To hold molecules of gas or liquid to the surface of a solid material. Not to be confused with Absorb, which is the process of combining or merging one object into another (as in water).
Adsorbent
Refers to the material often used to pack columns used in ADSORPTION CHROMATOGRAPHY, most often alumina or silica gel.
Adsorption Chromatography
A chromatographic method in which the molecules are retained through the interaction of the polar functional groups of the sample components and the functional groups on the surface of the packing material.
Amino Phase
A specialized stationary phase often used for selective normal phase chromatography, in which the solutes interact with amines.
Analytical Column
Typically, the main column used in the HPLC system to separate sample components; often referred to as the "heart" of the HPLC system.
Anneal
To take the brittleness out of metal, plastic or certain carbon composites. Performed in the preparation of new products or in their restoration, annealing is accomplished via a heat treating process.
Asymmetry Factor
A factor used to describe the shape of a chromatographic peak. While theory assumes a symmetrically-shaped peak, in practice the peak is often asymmetrical. The equation used to describe this factor is determined at 10 percent of the peak height. At this level, the factor is defined as being the ratio of the distance between the peak's apex and the back of the peak's curve to the distance between the peak's apex and the front of the peak's curve. [see graphic]
