Chromatography
I can describe how chromatography works and use a chromatogram to answer questions about a substance.
Chromatography
I can describe how chromatography works and use a chromatogram to answer questions about a substance.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Chromatography can be used for both separation of minute samples and analysis.
- A pure substance will only produce one spot on a chromatogram.
- A mixture will produce many spots on a chromatogram.
- Comparing chromatograms can help to identify an unknown component in a sample.
- Pencil is insoluble in water.
Keywords
Solvent - A solvent is a liquid into which a solute dissolves.
Soluble - When a substance dissolves in a liquid, it is described as soluble in that liquid.
Chromatography - Chromatography is a technique that separates a mixture into its different parts and the results can be analysed.
Chromatogram - A chromatogram is the resultant pattern on the stationary phase after chromatography has been carried out.
Compare - To compare is to look for similarities and/or differences between two objects or ideas.
Common misconception
Pupils can struggle to interpret information that contain several samples on one chromatogram.
Stress a systematic approach to interpreting chromatograms - use rulers. Live model this - using a visualiser helps enormously.
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Chromatography, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Chromatography, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Separation techniques unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Ability of a substance to take in another substance.
A substance that can dissolve in a liquid.
A liquid in which a solute dissolves.
A substance which will be tested in an investigation.
Ability of a liquid to dissolve/mix in another liquid.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
