Sensitivity

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-010743",
  "term": "Sensitivity",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The slope of an analytical calibration curve, that is the change in instrument signal produced by a unit change in the amount or concentration of the analyte. A steeper slope means that small differences in analyte level give larger differences in signal. In mass spectrometry it is the ion current produced per unit increase in sample partial pressure in the source, and it should not be confused with the detection limit.",
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "collimation",
    "calibration function",
    "chemical measurement process"
  ],
  "references": [
    "Orange Book, 2nd ed., p. 206 (https://media.iupac.org/publications/analytical_compendium/)",
    "PAC, 1991, 63, 1541. 'Recommendations for nomenclature and symbolism for mass spectroscopy (including an appendix of terms used in vacuum technology). (Recommendations 1991)' on page 1553 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199163101541)",
    "PAC, 1990, 62, 2167. 'Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)' on page 2174 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199062112167)",
    "PAC, 1995, 67, 1699. 'Nomenclature in evaluation of analytical methods including detection and quantification capabilities (IUPAC Recommendations 1995)' on page 1703 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199567101699)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/sensitivity/"
}