Advanced Topic 957 of 1102 Analytical, Lab & Spectroscopy
Thermogravimetric Analysis
Measures mass change of a sample as temperature changes.
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In-depth explanation of Thermogravimetric Analysis
Thermogravimetric analysis measures the mass of a sample as it is heated at a controlled rate in a controlled atmosphere, producing a curve of mass against temperature. Steps in the curve reveal events such as loss of water or solvent, decomposition of a compound, or oxidation in air or reduction in inert gas. The stoichiometry of a hydrate can be determined from the mass lost in each step, and the temperature range over which a material is stable is read directly from the curve. The derivative of the mass curve, DTG, helps locate each step precisely. TGA is widely used for polymers, minerals, pharmaceuticals and catalysts.
Going deeper: Thermogravimetric Analysis
Key ideas: Mass loss percent = (mass lost/initial mass) x 100, compared with theory to identify the lost species. Example: CaC2O4.H2O loses H2O (12.3 percent), then CO (19.2 percent), then CO2 (30.1 percent) leaving CaO. Atmosphere matters: nitrogen shows decomposition, air shows oxidation, and mass gains indicate oxidation or reaction with gas. Typical heating rates are 10 C per minute.
Common mistakes and connections: Students overlook buoyancy effects and baseline drift that appear as small apparent mass changes. A faster heating rate shifts steps to higher temperatures and merges close events. Overlapping steps need DTG curves for separation. Temperature in the sample may lag the furnace. Related to hydrates, stoichiometry, DSC and thermal stability of polymers.
Visualization of Thermogravimetric Analysis
Copper sulfate pentahydrate loses 2, 2 and 1 water molecules in three steps, ending at about 64 percent of its mass, which reveals the five waters per unit. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
Worked example and use case
Copper sulfate pentahydrate loses its water in distinct steps as temperature rises, revealing five water molecules per formula unit.
Frequently asked questions about Thermogravimetric Analysis
What is Thermogravimetric Analysis?
Measures mass change of a sample as temperature changes.
Is Thermogravimetric Analysis a beginner, intermediate or advanced topic?
Thermogravimetric Analysis is a advanced topic in Analytical, Lab & Spectroscopy. It builds on beginner and intermediate topics, so review those first if needed.
What should I learn before Thermogravimetric Analysis?
Study these earlier topics in Analytical, Lab & Spectroscopy first: Melting Point Determination, Boiling Point Determination, Flash Point.
What comes after Thermogravimetric Analysis?
The next topics in Analytical, Lab & Spectroscopy are Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Computational Chemistry.
Can I practise Thermogravimetric Analysis with quizzes?
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Thermogravimetric Analysis, and the Analytical, Lab & Spectroscopy quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Where Thermogravimetric Analysis fits in Analytical, Lab & Spectroscopy
Thermogravimetric Analysis is topic 81 of 99 in Analytical, Lab & Spectroscopy.