In a qualitative analysis using paper chromatography, which factor primarily affects the Rf value of a substance?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
In a qualitative analysis using paper chromatography, which factor primarily affects the Rf value of a substance?
Solvent polarity
Temperature
pH of the solution
Molecular weight
The Rf value is primarily affected by the polarity of the solvent used in paper chromatography, as it influences the interaction between the stationary phase and the analyte.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: In a qualitative analysis using paper chromatography, which factor primarily affects the Rf value of a substance?
Solution: The Rf value is primarily affected by the polarity of the solvent used in paper chromatography, as it influences the interaction between the stationary phase and the analyte.
Steps: 6
Step 1: Understand what Rf value means. Rf value is the ratio of the distance traveled by the substance to the distance traveled by the solvent front.
Step 2: Know that paper chromatography uses a stationary phase (the paper) and a mobile phase (the solvent).
Step 3: Recognize that the polarity of the solvent affects how well substances move on the paper.
Step 4: Realize that if the solvent is very polar, it will interact more with polar substances, allowing them to move further.
Step 5: Conversely, if the solvent is less polar, polar substances will not move as far, affecting their Rf value.
Step 6: Conclude that the polarity of the solvent is the primary factor that affects the Rf value of a substance in paper chromatography.
