z-average
English
Etymology
From the first letter of the German word Zentrifuge (centrifuge), because this measurement was first used with centrifugation data.
Noun
z-average (plural z-averages)
- A weighted average where the value for each component is weighted by the square of its mass or volume.
- 1984, Howard G. Barth, Modern Methods of Particle Size Analysis, →ISBN, page 113:
- When proper measurements are made, the parameters of the size distribution most often obtained -- the inverse z-average moments -- are not the usually reported parameters of a size distribution.
- 1995, S. R. Holding & E. Meehan, Molecular Weight Characterisation of Synthetic Polymers, →ISBN, page 4:
- The calculated number average molecular weight is generally very dependent upon the low molecular weight material in the distribution, whilst the z-average is more affected by the high molecular weight material present.
- 2007 -, Wolfgang Schärtl, Light Scattering from Polymer Solutions and Nanoparticle Dispersions, →ISBN:
- The harmonic average lies in between the z-average and the weight-average particle size.
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Usage notes
The term z-average is used primarily in the context of light scattering or centrifugation measurements.