Analytical science: Secrets of the Mary Rose

# Glossary

acid hydrolysis
  The breakdown of organic materials using acid.

aerobic
  Means 'with oxygen' and used in the context of organisms that require oxygen for metabolism. Compare with anaerobic.

anaerobic
  Means 'without oxygen' and used in the context of organisms that do not require energy for metabolism. Compare with aerobic.

anoxic
  Oxygen-poor conditions.

constructive interference
  X-ray waves are in-phase with one another, so their displacements add.

destructive interference
  X-ray waves are out of phase and their displacements cancel.

haplogroups
  Groups defined by genetic traits found in mitochondrial DNA (as opposed to nuclear DNA).

isotopic fractionation
  The natural separation of isotopes during a chemical reaction or process.

karyotyping
  Chromosomal analysis for genetic and chromosomal abnormalities.

pilodyn
  Instrument used to measure the density and strength of wood without the need to extract samples.

Raman spectroscopy
  Raman spectroscopy harnesses the Raman effect in order to characterise the presence of molecules within a sample.

regression analysis
  Measuring changes in one item (called a variable) to predict how a related variable will change.

respiration
  The collective reactions used by the body to release the chemical energy of these molecules. (The meaning of the word respiration here should not be confused with the other meaning of the term to breathe.)

scanning electron microscopy
  An electron microscope that uses a rastering electron beam to image and analyse a sample.

sonar
  A technique utilising sound pulses which are echoed when they reach a solid object.

specular reflection
  Where the incident X-ray beam has an angle of incidence of θ, with respect to the lattice plane, and is reflected at the same angle.

X-ray diffraction
  X-ray diffraction (XRD) is the diffraction of short wavelength X-rays (in the region of 0.1 nm). It is widely used to investigate both single crystals and finely ground crystalline powders.

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