STUDENT SPACE · TOPIC 4
Paper chromatography
Set up paper chromatography and interpret a chromatogram.
The essentials
- Chromatography separates dissolved substances because they differ in their attraction to the paper and solubility in the solvent.
- Draw the baseline in pencil and start with the solvent below the spots.
- Several separated spots indicate a mixture. Compare spots with reference substances under the same conditions.
Key vocabulary
| English | Chinese |
|---|---|
| chromatography | 色谱法 |
| baseline | 基线 |
| solvent front | 溶剂前沿 |
| chromatogram | 色谱图 |
Quick practice
Why should the initial ink spot sit above the solvent level?
Need a hint?
The solvent must carry the sample up the paper from the baseline.
Check your reasoning after trying
If the spot is submerged, the sample may dissolve directly into the solvent reservoir instead of travelling up the paper.
Use Lesson 4 in your worksheet for written practice. Your teacher will discuss those answers in class.