Chromatography:

Question 1

What does chromatography do?

Answer 1

Separate mixtures and give information to help identify a substance. Chromatography involves a stationary phase and a mobile phase. Separation depends on the distribution of substances between the phases.

Question 2

Equation for the Rf value

Answer 2

Distance moved by substance/distance moved by solvent

Always less than 1

Question 3

What are two ways chromatography is able to distinguish different solvents

Answer 3

Different compounds have different Rf values in different solvents, which can be used to help identify the compounds. The compounds in a mixture may separate into different spots depending on the solvent but a pure compound will produce a single spot in all solvents.