3. Separating Inks Using Paper Chromatography

Method

A piece of chromatography paper (approx. 5 by 10 cm) was taken, and a pencil line drawn approximately 1 cm from the base.

Spots of non-washable colored ink were made on the line.

The paper was clipped to a skewer and suspended in a glass.

The level of the bottom of the paper, and of the pencil line, were noted, and the paper removed.

Water was poured into the glass to a level above the bottom of the paper but below the pencil line.

The paper was suspended in the glass, and observed until the absorbed water had risen close to the level of the skewer.