Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
In chemistry, a sample refers to a small portion or specimen taken from matter (solid, liquid, gas) which represents the whole for testing purposes.
Related terms
Population: The total set from which samples are taken. If our pizza represents population, then each slice would be considered as samples.
Random Sampling: This is when every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected as part of the sample. Like reaching into a bag full of mixed candies blindfolded and picking one out randomly.
Qualitative Analysis: The process through which we determine what substances are present in our sample – kind of like identifying all toppings on our pizza slice.