Chemical analysis - (CCEA) Formulations

Most elements are rarely found in their pure form. They are found chemically combined with other elements in compounds. Compounds are often found mixed with other compounds. Mixtures may be separated and analysed.

Part ofCombined ScienceStructures, trends, chemical reactions, quantitative chemistry and analysis

Formulations

A formulation is a mixture that has been designed to do something useful. It is formed by mixing together several different substances in carefully measured quantities to ensure the product has the required properties.

FormulationDescriptionExample
AlloyAn alloy is a mixture of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal, and the resulting mixture has metallic properties. An alloy has different properties from the metals it contains. Most alloys are made by melting the metals, mixing them together in liquid form, then leaving them to cool and become solid again.stainless steel
MedicineMedical drugs contain ingredients other than the active drug. These ingredients may help prevent an upset stomach, allow the timed release of the drug, or hold the tablet together.Calpol® is a formulation of paracetamol and liquid flavourings
FertiliserFertilisers contain nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) compounds. The quantities of each vary depending on the plants they are used to fertilise.NPK fertilsers
FormulationAlloy
DescriptionAn alloy is a mixture of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal, and the resulting mixture has metallic properties. An alloy has different properties from the metals it contains. Most alloys are made by melting the metals, mixing them together in liquid form, then leaving them to cool and become solid again.
Examplestainless steel
FormulationMedicine
DescriptionMedical drugs contain ingredients other than the active drug. These ingredients may help prevent an upset stomach, allow the timed release of the drug, or hold the tablet together.
ExampleCalpol® is a formulation of paracetamol and liquid flavourings
FormulationFertiliser
DescriptionFertilisers contain nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) compounds. The quantities of each vary depending on the plants they are used to fertilise.
ExampleNPK fertilsers