Question

The principle involved in paper chromatography is:
A) Adsorption
B) Partition
C) Solubility
D) Volatility

Answer 1

Hint: Chromatography is one of the analytical techniques used to separate the mixture of the different components in which each component is moved at a different speed. There are different chromatographic techniques like column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography, paper chromatography, etc.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Paper chromatography is one of the chromatographic techniques used to separate the mixture of colored components using the paper on which each component moves at a different speed and get separated. The component with a greater speed moves fast compared to one with lesser speed.

The principle of paper chromatography is partition. In paper chromatography there are two phases one is the stationary phase and the other is the mobile phase. Here, water trapped in the paper acts as the stationary phase and solvent acts as the mobile phase. Thus, as the solvent moves the components in the mixture also moves depending on their speed. In this way, the component is distributed between the mobile and stationary phases.

Now, the principle of the paper chromatography work on the partition phenomenon option (A) adsorption,(C) solubility, and option (D) volatility are incorrect for the given question.

Hence, the correct answer for the given question is option (B).

Note:
i) Adsorption is the process in which molecules of one component are attached to the surface of another component.
ii) Partition is the separation or distribution of the substance into different regions.
iii) Solubility is the ability of the substance to dissolve in the solvent.
iv) Volatility is the ability of the substance to convert into vapours.