What is meant by the term 'aliquot' in a laboratory context?

What is meant by the term 'aliquot' in a laboratory context?

• A. To blend two substances together
• B. To distribute a specific volume of liquid
• C. To increase the concentration of a solution
• D. To freeze a sample for later analysis

Answer: (B)

In a laboratory context, 'aliquot' refers to the process of distributing a specific volume of liquid from a larger sample. This term is often used when preparing samples for experiments, dilutions, or testing, where a certain amount is taken from a larger quantity to ensure that the measurements or procedures can be conducted properly and consistently. For instance, when preparing a series of dilutions, a specific aliquot of the concentrated solution is added to a solvent to achieve the desired concentration, making it vital for accurate experimental results. The other options describe different laboratory procedures but do not accurately capture the definition of 'aliquot.' Blending two substances together refers to mixing, increasing the concentration of a solution entails a different process, and freezing a sample is a preservation technique rather than a measure of partitioning a sample. Thus, the correct understanding of an aliquot highlights its importance in sample handling and preparation in various scientific analyses.

In a laboratory context, 'aliquot' refers to the process of distributing a specific volume of liquid from a larger sample. This term is often used when preparing samples for experiments, dilutions, or testing, where a certain amount is taken from a larger quantity to ensure that the measurements or procedures can be conducted properly and consistently. For instance, when preparing a series of dilutions, a specific aliquot of the concentrated solution is added to a solvent to achieve the desired concentration, making it vital for accurate experimental results.

The other options describe different laboratory procedures but do not accurately capture the definition of 'aliquot.' Blending two substances together refers to mixing, increasing the concentration of a solution entails a different process, and freezing a sample is a preservation technique rather than a measure of partitioning a sample. Thus, the correct understanding of an aliquot highlights its importance in sample handling and preparation in various scientific analyses.