Chromatography — GCSE Chemistry Revision
Revise Chromatography for GCSE Chemistry. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
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Go to Testing GasesWhat is Chromatography?
Chromatography is a technique used to separate a mixture of soluble substances. It works by passing a solvent (the mobile phase) through a stationary phase (e.g., chromatography paper). Different components of the mixture travel at different speeds, causing them to separate out.
Board notes: Chromatography is a required practical for all exam boards. You must know the method for paper chromatography, be able to interpret a chromatogram, and calculate Rf values.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
In paper chromatography of ink, a spot of ink is placed on a pencil line on filter paper. The bottom of the paper is placed in a solvent. As the solvent moves up the paper, it dissolves the ink and carries it up. The different coloured dyes in the ink separate because they have different solubilities in the solvent and different attractions to the paper.
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Common mistakes
- 1Placing the starting line in the solvent at the beginning of the experiment. The baseline must be drawn in pencil and be above the solvent level, otherwise the sample will just dissolve in the solvent.
- 2Using a pen to draw the starting line. The ink from the pen will run and interfere with the results.
- 3Calculating the Rf value incorrectly. It is the distance moved by the spot divided by the distance moved by the solvent front, and it must be less than 1.
Chromatography exam questions
Exam-style questions for Chromatography with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Chromatography
Core concept
Chromatography is a technique used to separate a mixture of soluble substances. It works by passing a solvent (the mobile phase) through a stationary phase (e.g., chromatography paper). Different comp…
Frequently asked questions
What is the Rf value?
The Rf (retention factor) value is a ratio used to identify a substance in chromatography. It is calculated by dividing the distance the substance has moved from the baseline by the distance the solvent has moved from the baseline.
Why is the lid placed on the container during chromatography?
A lid is used to create a saturated atmosphere of the solvent vapour inside the container. This prevents the solvent from evaporating as it moves up the paper, which would affect the results.