LAB#3- PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY SKILLS ASSESSED: ORR & MM
Date: 22nd September, 2025
Date due: 29th September, 2025
Title: Paper Chromatography
Aim: To separate the components of ____ ink using paper chromatography and to measure R f
factor.
Group Members:
Apparatus/Materials:
1. Ruler
2. 200mL beaker
3. Filter paper
4. Pencil
5. Water soluble marker
6. Scissors
7. Scotch tape
8. 20mL measuring cylinder
9. Distilled Water
Method/Procedures:
1. Measure the length of a 200 mL beaker using a ruler.
2. Cut the filter paper to 2cm width and to the length measured with the ruler.
3. Draw a line (the datum line) with a pencil across the strip 2cm above the bottom of the
strip.
4. Make a dot with the marker on the pencil line.
5. Attach the top of the strip of the filter paper to a pencil so that it can be suspended inside
the beaker.
6. Add 15 mL distilled water in the beaker carefully.
7. Place the filter paper into the water so that the end of the paper is wet.
8. Observe the chromatogram and leave at rest for 1 hour.
LAB#3- PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY SKILLS ASSESSED: ORR & MM
9. After the 1 hour, remove the chromatogram from the beaker.
10. Record the distance of each component from the datum line and the highest point the
solvent travelled (the solvent front) in a suitable table.
Diagram:
Observations:
Table showing the components of the ink and the retention factor of each.
Retention factor (Rf)-
Distance of
Components of the Distance Moved from the Datum Distance moved from the
the Solvent
Ink Line (cm) datum line(cm) ÷ Distance
Front (cm)
of the solvent front(cm)
*Show all calculations in details
Discussion:
1. What is paper chromatography used for? Discuss the application in this experiment.
2. State the significance of the retention factor.
3. Discuss which component of the ink moved the furthest on the chromatogram.
Source errors:
Precautions:
Conclusion: State which component travelled the furthest.
Reference:
LAB#3- PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY SKILLS ASSESSED: ORR & MM
SBA#3 Paper Chromatography
Skilled Assessed: ORR
Observation/ Recording/ Reporting Allocated Marks
marks Obtained
Organization 2
- Report is organized logically (1)
- Each section is named correctly and completed
(1)
Method 2
- Step-by-step procedure written in the past tense (2 marks)
Observations 5
- Format
Neatly enclosed table (1 mark)
Appropriate headings (1 mark)
Title included (1 mark)
- Student correctly records the Rf values in the table (2
marks)
Discussion and conclusion are concisely written 2
Total marks 11
Weighted marks 10
SBA#3 Paper Chromatography
Skilled Assessed: M/M
Total Marks
Criteria
marks obtained
Following Method in correct sequence 2
-1 for any error
Measuring the paper and cut it to the specific size 2
- 1 mark for every error
Draw the datum line exactly 2cm away from the bottom 1
LAB#3- PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY SKILLS ASSESSED: ORR & MM
Reading volume of the solvent in measuring cylinder at eye level 2
- 1 mark for every error
Carefully adding the water in the beaker 1
Carefully placing the filter paper in the solvent gently to allow the 2
bottom to get wet only
TOTAL 10
