In electrophoresis, what property of ions is primarily utilized for separation?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
In electrophoresis, what property of ions is primarily utilized for separation?
Mass
Charge
Solubility
Size
Electrophoresis separates ions based on their charge, allowing them to migrate in an electric field.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
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Q
Q: In electrophoresis, what property of ions is primarily utilized for separation?
Solution: Electrophoresis separates ions based on their charge, allowing them to migrate in an electric field.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Understand that electrophoresis is a technique used to separate charged particles, like ions.
Step 2: Recognize that ions have a positive or negative charge.
Step 3: Learn that when an electric field is applied, ions will move towards the opposite charge (positive ions move to negative, and negative ions move to positive).
Step 4: Realize that the speed and distance each ion travels depend on its charge and size.
Step 5: Conclude that the primary property used for separation in electrophoresis is the charge of the ions.