Liquid Duality: Color Chromatography

Color Chromatography Inks and dyes are mainly made up of different colors. The purpose of this experiments is to observe how chromatography can be use to separate mixtures of chemical substances. Chromatography is a process that lets you separate ink into its individual colors.

Liquid Duality Experiment No 6

Experiment Info When we see markers we just see the color for what it is. But in this experiment the use of water allows these color pigments to separate. Colors are made from multiple color pigments that are mixed together.

Materials

coffee filter paper water-based markers clear cup or vase scissors water thin wood sticks paperclips

step 1

step 2

step 1 Cut a strip of the coffee filter paper. Make it about a inch wide, and the height should be a little bit shorter or the same as the cup. step 2 Clip the other side of the paper with a paper clip. Then clip it to the wooden stick. With the color markers, draw a line across the strip, about 1 to 2 inches up from and parallel to the bottom. (Repeat steps 2 when having multiple papers on the same stick)

step 3

step 3 Put water in the cup- enough to cover the bottom. Place one end of the paper strip (the end with the marker) in the cup and have the wood rest on top of the cup to let the paper hang. Make sure the bottom of the strip is in the water, but below the marker line. step 4 Watch the water flow up the paper. Once the water reaches the colored line, you’ll start to see the colors moving up on the paper strip.

Final

step 5 Watch the water flow up the paper. Once the water reaches the colored line, you’ll start to see the color moving up on the paper strip.

Repeat the steps with other colors with a new filter paper.