Question

Given below is the column of adsorbent in which the mixture of the compounds A+B+C is placed. When the solvent is poured through the column, the components are separated depending upon the degree of adsorption. Which of the given statements is correct?

• A. A is the most weakly adsorbed component hence remain near the top.
• B. A is the most strongly adsorbed component hence remain near the top.
• C. C is the most strongly adsorbed component hence is found near the bottom.
• D. B is the most strongly adsorbed component hence is found in the centre of the column.

Answer 1

The correct option is B A is the most strongly adsorbed component hence remain near the top.

Chromatography: It is a technology employed for separation of components of mixture by continuous distribution of components between $2$ phases i.e. mobile phone and stationary phase.

Separation of components from mixture occurs based on their relative affinities towards stationary phase.

Components that possess high affinity are retained in column while those with less affinity are eluted.

In the above diagram, component A has maximum affinity towards stationary phase.

Hence option B is correct.