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Paper chromatography was used to find the composition of brown ink in a pen - Junior Cycle Science - Question h - 2009
Question h
Paper chromatography was used to find the composition of brown ink in a pen. The same liquid, paper and pen were used in each of the three experiments shown. They we... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Paper chromatography was used to find the composition of brown ink in a pen - Junior Cycle Science - Question h - 2009
Step 1
Why is the ink dot above the level of the liquid in each beaker?
Answer
The ink dot is above the level of the liquid in each beaker because the ink is not soluble in the liquid. When paper chromatography is performed, the ink does not dissolve into the solvent, preventing it from rising up the paper. This characteristic of the ink ensures that the dot remains stationary above the liquid level.
Step 2
What caused the dots of ink on the papers B and C to spread upwards?
Answer
The dots of ink on papers B and C spread upwards due to capillary action. The liquid travels up the paper through small pores, carrying the ink with it. This movement allows the ink to separate and spread, creating distinct patterns as the different components of the ink travel varying distances.
Step 3
Why were colours, other than brown, seen in B and C as the ink moved up the paper?
Answer
The brown ink is a mixture of different colored inks. As the ink moved up the paper through chromatography, each color component separated based on its solubility and affinity to the paper and solvent. This separation allows us to see the various colors that make up the brown ink.