What is one of the main advantages of gravimetric analysis?

One of the main advantages of gravimetric analysis is its high accuracy. Gravimetric analysis involves measuring the mass of an analyte or a product that has been isolated from a solution. This method relies on the precise measurement of mass, which can yield highly reliable and reproducible results. The accuracy in gravimetric analysis comes from the direct comparison of masses, and because it often involves the formation and precipitation of stable compounds, the procedure minimizes the potential for systematic errors that can arise in other analytical methods.

In contrast, while cost-effectiveness and ease of sample handling can be considered benefits in certain contexts, they do not specifically highlight the precision and reliability aspect that gravimetric analysis is renowned for. Additionally, the speed of results may not be a strong point for gravimetric methods, as these procedures can sometimes be time-consuming due to the necessary steps of precipitation, filtration, drying, and weighing. Thus, the focus on accuracy stands out as a significant attribute of gravimetric analysis, making it a preferred choice when high precision is required.