activation analysis

noun

: an analytical method used to determine the chemical elements comprising a material by bombarding it with particles (such as neutrons or gamma rays) to produce radioactive atoms whose emissions are indicative of the elements present

Activation analysis is one of the most sensitive and versatile techniques possible for elemental analysis. The technique involves irradiation of a sample with neutrons, charged particles or photons to induce instability in some of the sample atoms.

—M. D. Glascock

see also neutron activation analysis

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for activation analysis

• cryptanalysis
• urinalysis
• dialysis
• paralysis
• electrodialysis
• haemodialysis
• hemodialysis
• microanalysis
• psychoanalysis