8.1.2

Chromatography

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Chromatography

Chromatography is a process that separates a mixture into its different components.

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The 2 phases in chromatography

  • Substances are picked up and carried by a mobile phase (liquid or gas).
  • The mobile phase then moves through a stationary phase (solid or viscous liquid).
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Separation of substances

  • This depends on the distribution of a substance across the 2 phases:
    • A substance moves far if it's more attracted to the mobile phase.
    • A substance doesn't move far if it's more attracted to the stationary phase.
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Strength of attraction

  • Different components can sometimes be equally attracted to a solvent.
  • So, the number of spots a mixture produces can vary depending on the solvent used.

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

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