This definitions covers Key Definitions within Chromatography for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Chromatography in Chemical Analysis for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 5 of 13 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Topic position
Section 5 of 13
Practice
20 questions
Recall
15 flashcards
📖 Key Definitions
Chromatography: A separation technique that separates the components of a mixture based on their different affinities for the mobile phase and stationary phase.
Rf value (Retention factor): The ratio of the distance moved by a substance to the distance moved by the solvent front. Rf = distance moved by substance ÷ distance moved by solvent front.
Mobile phase: The solvent that moves through the chromatography system, carrying dissolved components with it.
Stationary phase: The material that does not move — in paper chromatography this is the paper itself.
Solvent front: The furthest point reached by the solvent on the chromatography paper.