This definitions covers Key Definitions within Chromatography for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Chromatography in Chemical Analysis for GCSE Chemistry with 23 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. 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
23 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.
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Chromatography. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
Practice Questions for Chromatography
What is the purpose of chromatography?
Explain how a chromatogram can be used to determine whether a substance is pure or a mixture.
Quick Recall Flashcards
23 questions on Chromatography — practise free
Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 15 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.
Try PrepWise Free