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Which of the following instruments can be used to identify the components of a mixed air sample that may contain several different chemicals?

A. Ionic vapor detector
B. Gas chromatography
C. Photoionization detector
D. Raman spectroscope

Answer :

Final answer:

The best instrument for identifying components in a mixed air sample is Gas Chromatography (GC), which efficiently separates and quantifies different chemicals. It vaporizes the sample and uses a column to separate compounds based on their properties, leading to accurate analysis. Other instruments listed are less suitable for this specific task.


Explanation:

Identifying Components of a Mixed Air Sample

To determine the various components of a mixed air sample that may include several different chemicals, the most suitable instrument from the provided options is Gas Chromatography (GC). This technique is widely used in chemical analysis due to its accuracy and efficiency in separating and identifying different compounds present in a mixture.

A gas chromatograph works by vaporizing the sample, which is then carried through a column by an inert gas. As the components travel through the column, they separate based on their affinity to the stationary phase (the material inside the column) and their respective boiling points. The separated components are detected by a detector that can measure concentrations of each substance, making GC extremely effective in analyzing complex mixtures.

Other options like an ionic vapor detector, photoionization detector, and Raman spectroscope have their applications but are not as versatile in separating and quantifying multiple gaseous components simultaneously. Gas chromatography is particularly well-established in various fields such as environmental monitoring, forensics, and chemical analysis, making it the preferred choice for your question.


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