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T1.2 HOW CAN WE EXPLAIN THIS?
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Consider one substance. There is:

a holding ability between the particles and the particles of the paper;
a holding ability between the particles and the particles of solvent.

How far the sample is dragged depends on the relative strengths of these holding abilities.



If the hold onto the paper is much stronger, the sample will not move.

If the hold onto the solvent is much stronger, the sample will move with the solvent front.

The trick is to find a solvent that gives the right balance - this is often a mixture.

 
not applicable


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t1: chromatography


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