Home Chemistry: Hurumanu, Rainbow Paper

Aim: To separate colours by using the process of chromatography.

Definition: Chromatography is a method of separating out materials from a mixture.

Eg. blood, ink, drugs,

Scenario

A crime has been committed. The police have a signed cheque and a letter from the same crime scene but it seems like the handwriting is different. They have 3 suspects but not enough evidence. They need to know if the letter and the cheque were written by the same person.

How do they tell if the pens used for both of these pieces of evidence are the same?

Rainbow paper

Materials;

1. Cup

2. Chromatography paper

3. Felt Pens 

4. Water

5. Pencil

6. Ruler 

Process:

Step 1: Gather the following things: Chromatography Paper, pen ruler, felt pens.

Step 2:  Draw a 1cm line on the CHromatography Paper, with a pencil. 

Step 3: Draw 2 dots using felt pens on the Chromatography Paper. 

Step 4: Fold the paper, behind cup near the top of the water, to hold the paper.

Step 5: Teacher pours water, in the cup.

Step 6: Then wait for the colours to climb up the paper. 

Conclusion: What have I learnt from this experiment?

So we first got the Chromatography paper, drew a line one centimetre up and then got two felt pens, preferably a dark colour. Then we drew two dots on the line, but we made sure that they didn't touch. Then we put the paper on the cup, folded the top part so the water could only reach the end of the paper. Then we waited as the paper soaked up the water. But in our first try, it didn't work out because there was too much water. So I suggest if you're going to do this try pouring the water in first.