Stacy runs a paper chromatography experiment using the same ink, but two different solvents. Using solvent A results in the ink separating into three bands, but solvent B does not carry the ink away from the original spot.

Which of the following could explain the results?

a) Solvent A was not a good mobile phase because it could not dissolve the ink.

b) Solvent B was not a good mobile phase because it could not dissolve the ink.

c) The ink was a pure substance and dissolved in both solvents.

d) The ink was a mixture, but only in solvent A.

b) Solvent B was not a good mobile phase because it could not dissolve the ink.

Explanation:

The base for chromatography is that the mixture to analyze is soluble in the solvent, if this happen, there will be separation. The only thing that may affect the separation, is that the mixture is not soluble in the solvent.

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

The paper chromatography can be defined as the technique in which there are two phase. One is stationary phase that lies in the cellulose fiber of the paper.

The mobile phase is the solvent that moves on the stationary phase. This is the usually solvent.

The interaction between the mobile phase and stationary phase must be good so as to carry the stationary phase along with the mobile phase.

If the stationary phase is not carried along with the mobile phase then the interaction between the stationary phase and mobile phase is not strong.