Question
Which statement about chromatography is incorrect? A reference substance provides proof that a certain component is present in the mixture Components which are equally soluble in the solvent will travel the same distance on the paper The level of the solvent must be below the level of the samples on the chromatography paper The more soluble the component is in the solvent the further it will travel
Answer
4
(205 Votes)
Imogen
Veteran · Tutor for 10 years
Answer
B
Explanation
The statement "Components which are equally soluble in the solvent will travel the same distance on the paper" is incorrect in the context of chromatography. In chromatography, the distance traveled by a component depends on two factors: the solubility of the component and its affinity to the stationary phase (i.e., the paper). Two components might have the same solubility, but if one of them has a stronger affinity to the stationary phase, it will not travel as far as the other component. Therefore, it is not necessary that components with equal solubility will travel the same distance on the paper.