Question

What gives gas chromatography its analytical usefulness?

a) The use of a liquid stationary phase

b) The separation of molecules based on their charge

c) The use of a gas mobile phase

d) The movement of solute molecules between liquid and solid phases

Answer 1

Gas chromatography is useful for its ability to separate components of a mixture based on their distinct interactions with the stationary and mobile phases, which makes it effective for both qualitative and quantitative analyses in various applications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The analytical usefulness of gas chromatography is primarily attributed to the separation of molecules based on their interactions with the stationary and mobile phases. Specifically, gas chromatography uses a gas as the mobile phase and typically a liquid or a solid as the stationary phase. The components of a mixture injected into the chromatograph distribute themselves between the two phases, with the partition determined by their differing affinities to the phases.

As the mobile phase carries the sample through the column, the compounds with greater affinity for the stationary phase move more slowly, resulting in separation based on their individual physical and chemical properties. The ability to effectively separate and analyze components makes gas chromatography particularly valuable for qualitative and quantitative analysis across various fields including environmental testing, pharmaceuticals, and forensics.