In: Chemistry
How can I explain the difference between quantitative and qualitative methods?
Qualitative methods usually make a YES/NO determination of some type, whereas quantitative methods provide a numerical estimate of a quantity, including uncertainties.
For example, a qualitative test for the presence of lead make cause a solution to turn yellow if a significant quantity of lead ions is present in solution, whereas a quantitative test might say that lead is present in a sample at a concentration of 2.6±0.5 mg/L.
Qualitative methods usually make a YES/NO determination of some type, whereas quantitative methods provide a numerical estimate of a quantity, including uncertainties.