Chromatography: Principles and Applications Quiz

Chromatography Basics

• Chromatography is a laboratory technique used to separate, identify, and quantify the components of a mixture.

Phases in Chromatography

• The mobile phase is a substance that moves through the chromatography system, carrying the analytes (substances being analyzed) with it.
• The mobile phase can be a liquid or a gas, depending on the type of chromatography.
• The stationary phase is a substance that remains fixed in place, interacting with the analytes as they pass through.

Function of Phases

• The mobile phase transports the analytes through the system, allowing them to interact with the stationary phase.
• The stationary phase separates the analytes based on their properties, such as adsorption, partition, or affinity.

Purpose of Chromatography

• The primary purpose of chromatography is to separate, identify, and quantify the components of a mixture.

Types of Chromatography

• Paper chromatography uses paper as the stationary phase.
• Solid-phase chromatography uses a solid stationary phase.

Chromatography Terms

• The eluent is the solvent used in liquid chromatography to carry the analytes through the system.
• The carrier portion of the mobile phase is the solvent that carries the analytes.
• The term "retention factor" is used to describe the distance traveled by the sample divided by the distance traveled by the solvent.

Separation Mechanism

• Separation of molecules is determined by their interactions with the stationary phase, such as adsorption, partition, or affinity.
• The characteristic that leads some components to stay longer in the stationary phase is their higher affinity for the stationary phase.

Analysis

• Chromatography enables qualitative and quantitative analysis by separating the analytes and allowing their detection and measurement.