Dr Dot's Chromatography

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcpSzem8izw

Chromatography!!

Equipment

Paper

Felt-tip pens

Water

A glass beaker, a transparent drinking glass or even a transparent plastic pot!

Cocktail stick or pencil

Tape

Scissors

Coffee Filter Paper or Laboratory Filter Paper

Steps

1. Put a little layer of cold water into your beaker.

2. Take a felt-tip pen and draw a line near the edge of the paper about an inch up. Make sure the pen is above the water.

3. Hang the paper off the cup using a cocktail stick. Attach the paper using tape. Be careful if you are using scissors! Make sure the paper dips into the water.

4. Wait for the water to travel up the paper.

Observations

The black pen separates into different colours.

Explanation

The ink from the pen is a soluble substance, which means it dissolves in water into pigments, the different colours in the ink.

My attempt at chromatography.

Uses

Chromatography can be used in forensic science to analyse blood and hair samples, as well as ink. It is also used in chemistry to determine the chemical compositions of mixtures such as food and drink products. Artists have also used chromatography!

Challenge!! Can you create a piece of artwork using chromatography and post it in the comments below? Can you solve a crime from a ransom note... e.g. I have your iPad. If you want to see it again, complete the to-do list on the refrigerator.

Did you like what you saw? This is one of many experiments that Dr Dot does. Follow her on YouTube, and join her fantastic Online Science Club where you can have a conversation with other members, post your experiments, complete confidence boosting courses and attend monthly Zoom sessions!!