1. What variables can an analyst work with in order to optimize the UV analysis of a two-component mixture?

2. Discuss the interrelationship between specificity and sensitivity. What trade-offs are involved?

Answer expectations:

Consider the first question of the assignment. You have two compounds in a solution that you are tasked to analyze using UV/Vis. Which parameters can you alter in order to distinguish one from the other and quantify both in the same solution? This is the central aspect of the question but you may also consider all the other analytical techniques that can aid in this task - the only thing that remains constant is that you use UV for detection. The second question addresses two interconnected concepts - that of sensitivity and specificity. You should first provide a definition of each in your own words and then discuss how these two are connected and how they are different. In addition to defining what specificity and sensitivity are, you should also address what distinguishes a sensitive and a specific method - and if both can be achieved at the same time.

Please consider consulting literature references for this assignment as you may want to look for UV methods of two component mixtures as well as official definitions of sensitivity and specificity.