Why Use Interpolation Over Extrapolation for Calibration Curves?

Click For Summary
Interpolation is preferred over extrapolation for calibration curves because it ensures greater precision in determining the relationship between concentration and signal strength for an analyte. Extrapolation can lead to inaccuracies, as it assumes that the existing trend continues beyond the measured data range, which may not hold true due to factors like self-absorption in techniques such as ICP-AES. The discussion highlights the importance of maintaining linearity within the calibration range to ensure reliable results. Understanding these principles is crucial for accurate analysis in laboratory settings. Overall, interpolation provides a more reliable method for calibration curve analysis.
Beer-monster
Messages
285
Reaction score
0
Could someone help me understand why interpolation rather than extrapolation should be used for calibration curves (with the exception of Standard additions). I know that extrapolation is less precise, but the book I've got doesn't over any more than that, and I think I need a little more detail for an exam.:biggrin:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, what does a calibration curve tell you ?
 
The relationship between concentration and signal strength for the analyte.

Would I be right in saying that you can't extrapolate as you can't be sure the curve remains linear (e.g because of self-absorbtion in ICP-AES)?
 
Beer-monster said:
Would I be right in saying that you can't extrapolate as you can't be sure the curve remains linear (e.g because of self-absorbtion in ICP-AES)?
That's exactly right !
 
Wow, I feel so very stupid *smacks head*
 

Similar threads

Can a type K thermocouple be used with cryo?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
High School Does dark energy's effect or strength vary over time?
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
Undergrad Runge-Kutta 4 w/ some sugar on the top: How to do error approximation?
  • · Replies 65 ·
3
Replies
65
Views
7K
Advantage/Purpose of Transmission vs Absorbance in calibration curve
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
7K
Undergrad Why Use Nonlinear Polynomials for Linearization?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Matlab Extrapolation: Find Approximate Size of Matrix n∗
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Mathematica Find all roots of an interpolating function in Mathematica
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
Interpolation and Extrapolation
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Solv. Calibration Curve Problem for Unknowns: A-E
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Fastest interpolation method for attitude quaternions?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K