Chromatography Lab Essay

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Chromatography Lab: I. Introduction Question: The question under consideration is which of the following dyes or ink types will have the highest RF value? 1. Sharpie 2. Crayola Marker 3. Overhead Pen 4. Food Coloring Gel 5. Food Coloring Liquid Hypothesis: To answer the question it is hypothesized that both the gel and liquid food coloring will have the highest RF value. Background: The hypothesis builds upon past knowledge that Chromatography paper is used to separate mixtures. In the experiment being conducted, the solvent- water- will travel up the paper, separating the dyes as it does so. It is also understood that the RF value indicated the distance the dye travels in relation to the distance the solvent travels. From past experiences with food coloring, it spreads very easily in water. This is the reason for hypothesizing that it will have the highest RF value. II. Materials & Procedure Equipment and Materials: * 5 different dyes or inks of the same color (Red) * Sharpie * Crayola Marker * Overhead Pen * Food Coloring Gel * Food Coloring Liquid * 5 Strips of chromatography paper * 5 Test Tubes * 5 mL of water * Pipet * Pencil * Ruler Procedure 1. With the pencil, a mark was drawn at both one and two centimeters from the bottom of the chromatography paper. 2. A drop of dye was then placed at the two-centimeter mark. 3. Steps 1-2 were repeated for each dye. 4. The pipet was used to place1 mL of water in each test tube. 5. Each prepared strip of chromatography paper was then set into each test tube. 6. The time needed for the dye to completely travel up the slip of chromatography paper was approximately 15 minutes. III. RESULTS: R.F Values | Solvent(Water) | Solute(Dye #1) | Solute(Dye #2) | R.F.#1 | R.F.#2 |

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