The ultimate \u201canalytical challenge\u201d: what is analytical chemistry?

An analytical challenge has been published in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry Journal in which the readers are invited to participate and solve a series of puzzles related to random error propagation. Photometry is a classical textbook of random error propagation and its application in making measurements on analyte solutions having aborbance A=0.434 yields, as the lowest relative uncertainty for the analyte concentration. A solution has been provided and numerous researchers have analyses the validity of the solution and its alternative optimum absorbance values depending on the uncertainty treatment and functional dependence and on source of light intensity. Readers can access the complete collection of published problems with their solutions on Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry homepage.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye