Question

Describe how to separate a mixture of pigments from an ink cartridge

Answer 1

Answer: Chromatography

Step-by-step explanation:

Chromatography is a method used in separating pigments. Chromatography usually consists of two phases, a stationary phase and a mobile phase. The eluate is the substance undergoing chromatography. The eluent is the mobile phase. The commonest kind of chromatography used for ink separation is paper chromatography. The stationary phase is a paper held on a support and the mobile phase is a solvent or mixture of solvents. The ink is dabbed on the paper and inserted into a closed container such that the ink layer is just a little above the solvent. The solvent rises through the paper and separates the ink into its various components thereby creating a chromatogram.

Answer 2

An ink cartridge usually consists of two or more dyes, which is a mixture of pigments. To separate this mixture of pigments which are the two dyes, paper chromatography is used. A small portion of the mixture is placed onto an absorbent material, a filter paper, with a solvent. The two dyes will move separately and the ink will separate into its pure substances.