What does qualitative analysis in chemistry determine?

Qualitative analysis in chemistry is primarily focused on identifying the presence or absence of specific substances within a sample. This method involves testing to determine which components are present, rather than measuring how much of each component exists. For example, qualitative tests may involve color change, precipitation formation, or other observable reactions that indicate the presence of certain ions or molecules.

This approach is essential in many applications, such as determining whether a particular toxin is present in a sample or identifying the components of a mixture in a laboratory setting. While quantitative analysis would address the concentration of these substances or provide numerical data about their amounts, qualitative analysis offers critical insights into the composition of materials by confirming what is present or absent.

The focus on the identification aspect distinguishes qualitative analysis from other analytical techniques, which may concentrate on quantifying the amounts of substances, understanding their molecular structures, or assessing their physical properties.