Describe the principles of how paper chromatography works

Paper chromatography separates a mixture of solutions by their various solubilities. The less soluble components have a higher affinity to the stationary phase (the paper strip) while more soluble components have a higher affinity to the mobile phase, or solvent. They therefore travel up the strip at different speeds, causing them to separate out.

RD
Answered by Rebekah D. Chemistry tutor

4010 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Calculate the atom economy of the following equation, assuming that KNO3 is the desired product. KOH + HNO3 ---> KNO3 + H2O (Mr of reactants and products, KOH - 56.1, HNO3 - 63.0, KNO3 - 101.1, H2O - 18.0)


How many moles are in 50g of NaCl.


What is the difference between a period and a group in the periodic table


How do I calculate the relative formula mass of Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning