Question 1

What is the main purpose of using paper chromatography in the experiment shown in the image?

Accepted Answer

To separate and identify the different pigments present in a spinach leaf.

Question 2

In paper chromatography, what is the stationary phase?

Accepted Answer

The chromatography paper.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the mobile phase in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The solvent that moves up the paper by capillary action.

Question 4

Why is it important that the pigment spot does NOT touch the solvent at the start of the experiment?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the pigments from dissolving directly into the solvent and not separating properly.

Question 5

Which pigment would you expect to travel the farthest up the paper if acetone (a nonpolar solvent) is used?

Accepted Answer

Carotene

Question 6

Given the formula $$Rf = \frac{	ext{Distance traveled by solute}}{	ext{Distance traveled by solvent}}$$, what is the Rf value if a pigment travels 25 mm and the solvent front is 50 mm?

Accepted Answer

$$Rf = \frac{25}{50} = 0.5$$

Question 7

Why should you use a pencil and not a pen to mark the chromatography paper?

Accepted Answer

Ink from a pen may dissolve in the solvent and interfere with the results.

Question 8

If a pigment has a high affinity for the stationary phase, what will happen to its movement on the chromatography paper?

Accepted Answer

It will move a shorter distance up the paper.

Question 9

Which of the following statements best explains why maple leaves appear orange or red in the fall but not in the summer?

Accepted Answer

Chlorophyll breaks down in the fall, revealing carotenoids and anthocyanins that were masked during the summer.

Question 10

A student performs paper chromatography on a spinach leaf and observes four distinct bands. Which pigment is most likely represented by the yellow-orange band at the top?

Accepted Answer

Carotene

Question 11

If the mobile phase is made more polar, which pigment would you expect to travel the farthest?

Accepted Answer

The most polar pigment

Question 12

Which of the following is a real-world application of paper chromatography?

Accepted Answer

Identifying the components of ink in forensic analysis.

Question 13

A pigment spot is placed too close to the solvent at the start of the experiment. What is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The pigments will dissolve directly into the solvent and may not separate properly.

Question 14

Which pigment is most likely to be the most polar among those found in spinach leaves?

Accepted Answer

Chlorophyll b

Question 15

If a pigment has an Rf value of 0.8, what does this indicate about its solubility in the mobile phase?

Accepted Answer

It is highly soluble in the mobile phase.

Paper Chromatography of Pigments in Spinach Leaves

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