What is Wet chemistry?
'''Wet chemistry''' studies [[chemical reaction]]s that [[wikt:occur|occur]] in the [[liquid]] [[Phase (matter)|phase]]. It is also called '''bench chemistry''' because many of the tests performed are done at a [[lab bench]]. ==Materials== Wet chemistry uses [[laboratory glassware]], such as [[beaker]]s and [[flask]]s, without [[quantitative chemical analysis]] using [[instrumentation]]. Many high school and college [[laboratory|laboratories]] teach students basic wet chemistry methods. ==History== Before the age of [[Theoretical chemistry|theoretical]] and [[computational chemistry]], it was the main form of [[Science|scientific discovery]] in the chemical field. So, some people call wet chemistry '''classic chemistry''' or '''classical chemistry'''. Today's society and [[quality control]] requirements need a high volume of wet chemistry. So, many wet chemistry methods have been [[automate]]d and [[computer]]ized for faster analysis. ==Uses== Wet chemistry techniques can be used for [[Qualitative chemical analysis|qualitative]] chemical measurements, such as changes in color ([[colorimetry]]), but often involves more quantitative chemical measurements, using methods such as [[gravimetry]] and [[titrimetry]]. Some uses for wet chemistry include tests for: * [[pH]] (acidity, alkalinity) * [[concentration]] * [[conductivity (electrolytic)|conductivity]] (Specific Conductance) * [[cloud point]] (nonionic surfactants) * [[hardness]] * solids or dissolved solids * [[salinity]] * [[specific gravity]] * [[density]] * [[turbidity]] * [[viscosity]] * [[moisture]] ([[Karl Fischer titration]]) Wet chemistry is also used in [[environmental chemistry]] settings and is used for to test: * Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) * Chemical Oxygen Demand * [[eutrophication]] * coating identification It can also involve the [[elemental analysis]] of samples, e.g., [[water]] sources, for items like: * Ammonia Nitrogen * [[Chloride]] * [[Chromium]] * [[Cyanide]] * dissolved Oxygen * [[Fluoride]] * [[Nitrogen]] * [[Nitrate]] * [[Phe