Final answer:
The separation factor or selectivity (α) for the two compounds separated using column 1 is 1.2, calculated by dividing the capacity factor of Peak B (4.3) by the capacity factor of Peak A (3.6).
Step-by-step explanation:
The separation factor, also known as selectivity (α), quantifies the ability of a chromatography column to separate two compounds. In the provided context, selectivity is calculated from the capacity factors (k') of the two compounds Peak A and Peak B, which are 3.6 and 4.3 respectively. The capacity factor indicates how long a compound is retained on the column compared to the mobile phase. To find the selectivity, we use the formula:
Selectivity (α) = k' of Peak B / k' of Peak A
Inserting the given capacity factors:
Selectivity (α) = 4.3 / 3.6 = 1.2
Therefore, Peak B is retained 20% longer than Peak A, which signifies that the column displays a selectivity of 1.2 for these two compounds. A selectivity value greater than 1 indicates that the separation is effective, with values above 1.1 generally considered good. Thus, this separation is deemed to be efficient.