Chromatography of Marker Inks
Separating colors with water/alcohol
Discover how chromatography can separate the different colored dyes in marker inks! Select a marker color, add solvent, and watch as the ink separates into its component colors.
Status: Ready
Observation:
Different colored markers will separate into different patterns based on their dye components.
The Science Behind Chromatography
How It Works:
Chromatography separates mixtures based on how strongly each component:
- Adsorbs (sticks) to the paper
- Dissolves in the solvent
Components that dissolve more easily travel farther up the paper.
Why Different Solvents Matter:
Water and alcohol have different polarities, causing them to separate ink components differently:
- Water: Better for separating more polar dye molecules
- Alcohol: Better for separating less polar dye molecules
Real-world Applications:
Chromatography is used in forensic science, pharmaceutical testing, food quality control, and environmental analysis.
