Activity To separate the different components of black ink using paper chromatography.
Apparatus Gas jar (or graduated cylinder), chromatography paper, pencil
Chemicals Water and black fountain-pen ink
Gas jar
Ink spot Water
Method 1. Draw a pencil line across the chromatography paper about 4 cm from the bottom. 2. Place a concentrated drop of black ink on the line. 3. Add water to the gas jar to a height of 2 cm. 4. Place the chromatography paper into the gas jar making sure that the ink dot does not go into the water.
5. Wrap the other end of the paper around the pencil as shown in the diagram. 6. Leave it for 20 minutes and then observe your results.
Question What coloured inks make up the black ink mixture?
Research this Research another type of chromatography such as thin layer chromatography, column chromatography or gas chromatography. What is the technique you researched used for?
Pencil
Chromatography paper
Nature of Science
Working safely and carefully and learning to select the correct equipment are all part of investigating in science. 1. Explain how a scientist would work carefully when carrying out a distillation experiment.
2. When separating a salt water solution different equipment is used if the scientist wants to collect the salt rather than the water. What equipment should the scientist use if: (a) their aim is to collect the salt? (b) their aim is to collect the water?
3. What safety precautions should a scientist follow when carrying out an evaporation experiment?
