MCQ Detailed View

Chromatography is a widely used laboratory technique for separating mixtures into individual components. The separation is based on differences in the affinity of each component for a stationary phase and a mobile phase. Common forms of chromatography include paper chromatography, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), column chromatography, and gas chromatography.

In chromatography, a mixture is applied to the stationary phase, and a mobile phase (liquid or gas) passes over it. Components of the mixture move at different rates depending on their interaction with the stationary phase and solubility in the mobile phase. This allows each component to separate clearly, forming distinct bands or spots.

Other options are incorrect. Chromatography does not separate pure solutions, individual atoms, or isolated molecules directly; it separates mixtures containing different substances. It is particularly useful in chemistry, biochemistry, and environmental science for analyzing compounds, purifying chemicals, and detecting contaminants.

For students, chromatography demonstrates principles of adsorption, solubility, and diffusion, and it helps in understanding chemical analysis and experimental techniques. Applications include separating pigments, amino acids, sugars, drugs, and environmental pollutants.

By using chromatography, scientists can efficiently analyze and purify complex mixtures, making it a key method in physical chemistry and laboratory work. It emphasizes the relationship between molecular properties and separation behavior.

Thus, chromatography is used to separate mixtures, highlighting its importance in chemical analysis, experimental techniques, and understanding molecular interactions.