GCSE Chemistry Revision — Chromatography
Revise Chromatography for GCSE Chemistry. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), Pearson Edexcel International, OxfordAQA International, SQA, IB, AP.
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- Chromatography in GCSE Chemistry: explanation, examples, and practice links on this page.
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What is Chromatography?
Chromatography is a technique used to separate a mixture of soluble substances. It works by passing a solvent (the mobile phase) through a stationary phase (e.g., chromatography paper). Different components of the mixture travel at different speeds, causing them to separate out.
Board notes: Chromatography is a required practical for all exam boards. You must know the method for paper chromatography, be able to interpret a chromatogram, and calculate Rf values.
Step-by-step explanationWorked examples
Worked example 1: Core method
In paper chromatography of ink, a spot of ink is placed on a pencil line on filter paper. The bottom of the paper is placed in a solvent. As the solvent moves up the paper, it dissolves the ink and carries it up. The different coloured dyes in the ink separate because they have different solubilities in the solvent and different attractions to the paper.
Worked example 2: Exam variation
Now change one detail in the question and keep the same structure: name the Chromatography idea being tested, show the method or evidence, then explain why it answers the command word. This helps GCSE Chemistry students avoid memorising one surface pattern.
Worked example 3: Mark-scheme check
Finish by checking the answer against marks: one point for the correct Chromatography idea, one for accurate working or evidence, and one for a precise final statement. If any step is vague, rewrite it before moving to timed practice.
Mini lesson for Chromatography
1. Understand the core idea
Chromatography is a technique used to separate a mixture of soluble substances. It works by passing a solvent (the mobile phase) through a stationary phase (e.
Can you explain Chromatography without copying the notes?
2. Turn it into marks
In paper chromatography of ink, a spot of ink is placed on a pencil line on filter paper. The bottom of the paper is placed in a solvent.
Underline the method, evidence, or command-word move that would earn credit in GCSE Chemical Analysis.
3. Fix the likely mark leak
Watch for this mistake: Placing the starting line in the solvent at the beginning of the experiment. The baseline must be drawn in pencil and be above the solvent level, otherwise the sample will just dissolve in the solvent.
Write one correction rule before doing another practice question.
Practise this topic
Start with low-focus cards for Chromatography, then move into full exam-style practice when you want the heavier session.
Mini quiz: Chromatography
Three quick checks for revision practice. They are original StudyVector prompts, not official exam-board questions.
Question 1
In one GCSE sentence, explain what Chromatography is testing.
Answer: Chromatography is a technique used to separate a mixture of soluble substances. It works by passing a solvent (the mobile phase) through a stationary phase (e.
Mark focus: Precise definition and topic focus.
Question 2
A Chromatography question uses an unfamiliar context. What should the answer do before adding detail?
Answer: It should name the process, variable, equation, particle model, or evidence being tested, then explain the result using precise scientific vocabulary.
Mark focus: Method selection and command-word control.
Question 3
A student makes this mistake: "Placing the starting line in the solvent at the beginning of the experiment. The baseline must be drawn in pencil and be above the solvent level, otherwise the sample will just dissolve in the solvent." What should their next repair task be?
Answer: Do one Chromatography question and review the mistake type.
Mark focus: Error correction and next-step practice.
Chromatography flashcards
Core idea
What is the main idea in Chromatography?
Chromatography is a technique used to separate a mixture of soluble substances. It works by passing a solvent (the mobile phase) through a stationary phase (e.
Common mistake
What mistake should you avoid in Chromatography?
Placing the starting line in the solvent at the beginning of the experiment. The baseline must be drawn in pencil and be above the solvent level, otherwise the sample will just dissolve in the solvent.
Practice
What is one useful practice task for Chromatography?
Answer one Chromatography question and review the mistake type.
Exam board
How should you use board notes for Chromatography?
Chromatography is a required practical for all exam boards. You must know the method for paper chromatography, be able to interpret a chromatogram, and calculate Rf values.
Common mistakes
- 1Placing the starting line in the solvent at the beginning of the experiment. The baseline must be drawn in pencil and be above the solvent level, otherwise the sample will just dissolve in the solvent.
- 2Using a pen to draw the starting line. The ink from the pen will run and interfere with the results.
- 3Calculating the Rf value incorrectly. It is the distance moved by the spot divided by the distance moved by the solvent front, and it must be less than 1.
Chromatography exam questions
Exam-style questions for Chromatography with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), Pearson Edexcel International, OxfordAQA International, SQA, IB, AP specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Chromatography
Core concept
Chromatography is a technique used to separate a mixture of soluble substances. It works by passing a solvent (the mobile phase) through a stationary phase (e.g., chromatography paper). Different comp…
Frequently asked questions
What is the Rf value?
The Rf (retention factor) value is a ratio used to identify a substance in chromatography. It is calculated by dividing the distance the substance has moved from the baseline by the distance the solvent has moved from the baseline.
Why is the lid placed on the container during chromatography?
A lid is used to create a saturated atmosphere of the solvent vapour inside the container. This prevents the solvent from evaporating as it moves up the paper, which would affect the results.