Instrumental method

An instrumental method instead uses an instrument to detect and measure a chemical or physical signal from the sample. The resulting measurement can be compared with reference information to detect and identify elements or compounds. Instrumental analysis may be used instead of a chemical test or alongside one to provide stronger evidence.

An instrumental method uses a machine to measure a property of the sample. A detector converts the measured property into a signal, and the instrument presents data that can be recorded and compared. Instrumental methods include techniques such as flame photometry, chromatography and different forms of spectroscopy.