In a qualitative analysis using paper chromatography, which factor primarily aff

In a qualitative analysis using paper chromatography, which factor primarily affects the Rf value of a substance?

In a qualitative analysis using paper chromatography, which factor primarily affects the Rf value of a substance?

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.

No concepts available.