2.1.16

Chromatography

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Chromatography

Chromatography is a process that separates a mixture into its different components. The pattern formed is known as a chromatogram.

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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.

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1Biology

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1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

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2Chemistry

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2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

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3Physics

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3.3Waves

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4Thinking Scientifically

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