Analysis RQP- how paper chromatography is used to separate and distinguish coloured substances

Question 1

step 1

Answer 1

draw a pencil line across the chromatography paper, 1 - 2 cm from the bottom

Question 2

step 2

Answer 2

use a pipette or capillary tube to add small spots of each ink to the line on the paper

Question 3

step 3

Answer 3

place the paper into a container with a suitable solvent in the bottom

Question 4

step 4

Answer 4

allow the solvent to move through the paper, but remove the
chromatogram
before it reaches the top

Question 5

step 5

Answer 5

allow the chromatogram to dry, then measure the distance travelled by each spot and by the solvent

Question 6

step 6

Answer 6

calculate (and compare) the Rf value of each spot by using distance travelled by substance divided by the distance travelled by solvent (water)