Question detail
What does a longer retention time in chromatography indicate?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Chromatography (A-level only)
Question
- A. The component is more soluble in the mobile phase.
- B. The component interacts more strongly with the stationary phase.
- C. The component has a higher molecular weight.
- D. The component is less polar than the solvent.
Answer
The component interacts more strongly with the stationary phase.
Explanation
A longer retention time suggests that the component has a stronger interaction with the stationary phase, causing it to travel more slowly through the chromatography system. This relationship is essential for understanding the separation process and the properties of the components involved.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Chromatography Evidence
Students often confuse the roles of stationary and mobile phases in chromatography, leading to incorrect conclusions about separation.
To fix this, students should clearly define the stationary phase as the substance that remains fixed in place and the mobile phase as the solvent that moves through it, ensuring they understand how each contributes to the separation process.
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