How is separation of the components of a mixture carried out using chromatography?
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Solution
Chromatography is the technique for separating the coloured components of a mixture, which have similar properties and dissolve in a particular solvent. Example: a mixture of coloured dyes can be separated using this method.
Steps for separation of the components of a mixture carried out using chromatography:
The process is carried out in a special paper strip, called chromatographic paper.
A drop of mixture is put on the lower part of the chromatographic paper and then the paper is dipped in the solvent taken in a glass vessel.
It is set up in such a manner that only the lowermost edge of the paper touches the solvent layer, allowing the solvent to slowly rise up the paper.
As the solvent moves up along the paper, it dissolves the mixture.
Further, along with the solvent, the different components of the mixture move up the paper at different rates, and on this basis they get separated.
