What is Wet Chemistry?
“Wet chemistry” refers to measuring and mixing chemicals in liquid form. This usually involves various chemicals that have been dissolved in water, but can include other solvents such as alcohols, ether, hydrocarbons, or even “exotic” solvents such as liquid ammonia. Here at the OMSI Chemistry Lab we have many water based wet chemistry experiments and use chemicals that are safe for visitors to handle. It’s worth noting that there are many “dry” chemistry experiments, i.e., experiments that happen between reactants in the solid phase. By “ground breaking” we signify that we were the first museum based lab to offer a hands-on chemistry program on a full time basis (we are open to the public every day the museum is open). Over the past several years we have helped other science centers and schools introduce visitors and students of all ages to chemistry.
Wet chemistry is a term to describe any determinations that are done in solutions. Specifically, extractions, titrations or gravemetric precipitation analysis. This differentiates the science from other determineintations done using sophisticated equipment like GC/MS, HPLC, AA, AE, IR or UV/Vis spectroscopy.
Wet chemistry is a term that represents a number of scientific techniques that involve direct experimentation with liquids. Because it is a broad industry term, the exact definition can vary from business to business. A general rule that can be applied is that if it involves a scientist working with liquids by hand and physically observing the results of the experiment, it is wet chemistry. The use of robotics in the laboratory, however, has even challenged this definition to some extent. Wet chemistry includes basic experimentation techniques like measuring, mixing, and weighing chemicals, as well as testing concentration, conductivity, density, pH, specific gravity, temperature, viscosity, and other aspects of liquids. Analytical techniques in wet chemistry are usually qualitative in nature, meaning that they attempt to determine the presence of a specific chemical rather than the exact amount. Some quantitative techniques are used in wet chemistry, however, and include gravimetrics
