Paper & Thin Layer Chromatography

What is the primary purpose of paper chromatography?

• To separate different substances in a mixture

• To create colorful patterns

• To measure the density of a liquid

• To determine the boiling point of a solvent

What is the first step in paper chromatography?

• Add the sample of ink to the solvent

• Place the filter paper in the solvent

• Draw a baseline with a pencil on the filter paper

• Add the solvent to the beaker

Why is it important not to submerge the pencil line and spot of ink in the solvent?

• To allow the solvent to carry the dyes up the paper

• To avoid mixing the solvent with the ink

• To ensure the solvent does not evaporate

• To prevent the ink from dissolving too quickly

What is the term for the pattern of spots left on the paper after the experiment?

• Chromatograph

• Chromatogram

• Chromatoscope

• Chromatophore

What is the mobile phase in paper chromatography?

• The solvent used

• The baseline

• The ink sample

• The filter paper

What determines how fast a chemical moves up the paper?

• The thickness of the paper

• The temperature of the solvent

• The color of the dye

• The solubility of the chemical in the solvent

How is the Rf value calculated?

• Distance traveled by the solvent divided by distance traveled by the substance

• Distance traveled by the substance divided by distance traveled by the solvent

• Distance traveled by the substance plus distance traveled by the solvent

• Distance traveled by the solvent minus distance traveled by the substance

What happens if a chemical is not soluble in the solvent used?

• It will evaporate

• It will dissolve in the solvent

• It will stay on the baseline

• It will move up the paper faster

What is the stationary phase in paper chromatography?

• The baseline

• The filter paper

• The ink sample

• The solvent used

Why might the Rf value change if a different solvent or paper is used?

• Because the mobile or stationary phase has changed

• Because the ink sample is different

• Because the experiment is done at a different temperature

• Because the baseline is drawn at a different height