Chromatography
Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Chromatography is a method used to separate and identify different solutes found in a solution.
About Chromatography
- When more than one solute is dissolved in a solvent chromatography can be used to separate them.
- Chromatography experiments are often done with colourful solutes which can be seen easily.
This diagram shows how black ink is made of three different inks in solution. |
Method
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Key Stage 4
Meaning
Chromatography is a technique used to separate and identify different solutes found in a solution.
About Chromatography
Chromatography can be used for:
- Separating and identifying two or more solutes from a solution.
- Identifying pure from impure substances.
Chromatography cannot be used for:
- Separating separating liquids in solution - Fractional Distillation
- Separating an insoluble solid from a soluble solid - Filtration
- Separating solutes from a solvent in solution. - Evaporation (Crystallisation) or Distillation.
- Chromatography relies on different chemicals experiencing different forces of attraction between the solvent used and the chromatography paper.