Chromatography

Spotlight RP6 Paper Chromatography Simulation

AQA GCSE Chemistry RP6: Paper Chromatography of Food Colourings

Setup → solvent rise → mark solvent front → measure in mm → calculate Rf → identify known and unmatched dyes in U.

1. Setup check

2.0 cm
1.0 cm
2.5 mm
Validate the apparatus before starting the chromatogram.

2. Run and mark

The solvent front should stop at about three quarters of the way up the paper.

3. Measurement tools

Use the centre of each spot, not the top edge or bottom edge. Distances are measured from the origin line in mm.
Mark the solvent front before measuring.

4. Identify mixture U

Complete the Rf table first.
Known references: A–D Unknown: U Solvent: water Final solvent distance: 80 mm
Paper chromatography simulation for food colourings A beaker holds water solvent. Chromatography paper has five lanes labelled A, B, C, D and U. Coloured spots move upwards as the solvent front rises. water ≤ 1 cm wooden spill support origin line solvent front marked front mm ruler

Results table

SpotColourSolvent / mmSpot / mmRf enteredStatus

Fast retrieval loop

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