Q&A for How to Do Simple Chromatography

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How are the chemicals separated for paper chromatography?

Community Answer

Chromatography separates substances into their components. All forms of chromatography work on the same principle. They all have a stationary phase (a solid, or a liquid supported on a solid) and a mobile phase (a liquid or a gas).

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Why does chromatography work? What should happen if I attach a different substance, such as chlorine?

Mohsin257

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It works on the principle of adsorption or distribution in between mobile and stationary phase. Chlorine is a single substance we use to separate the mixture of the substances.

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Question

Is a chromatogram the same as chromatography?

Mohsin257

Community Answer

There is a slight difference. Chromatography is the process or technique; a chromatogram is the result of chromatography on paper.

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How do I work out the Rf value?

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Different chromatograms and the separated components of the mixtures can be identified by calculating the Rf value using the equation: Rf = distance moved by the compound ÷ distance moved by the solvent. The Rf value of a particular compound is always the same - if the chromatography has been carried out in the same way. This allows industry to use chromatography to identify compounds in mixtures.

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Question

Ink is a mixture of colored dyes. How can I use chromatography to separate the dyes from the ink?

Michael Li

Community Answer

Draw a line across the filter paper (with a pencil), and the ink spot drawn on the line. Dip a little of the filter paper to a cup of water (do not touch the line), and let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then, examine the dyes that appear.

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Question

What solution is used when doing chromatography?

Community Answer

It can be water, ethanol et cetera. It depends on the type of pen or marker used, and its solubility in the solvent. It's better to be more soluble.

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Should I use a pen or a pencil to do simple chromatography?

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Pencil, because if you used pen, the ink could separate along with the samples of ink you are testing, but pencil cannot dissolve so the line would stay there.

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Question

How long does chromatography take?

Community Answer

Chromatography takes anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 hour. You can also see at different times, what stage is the process of chromatography in.

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How long does this usually take, does it depend on any factors (ie the thickness of the strip, the type of paper, the marker)?

Techno274721

Community Answer

As the article said, yes it takes more time depending on the factors it will usually take around 5-20 minutes with normal paper (HP paper) and stencil pens.

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