Question

Can sugar affect a chromatography experiment?

1) Yes, sugar can affect the results of a chromatography experiment.
2) No, sugar does not have any impact on a chromatography experiment.
3) It depends on the type of sugar used.
4) I'm not sure.

Answer 1

Yes, sugar can affect the results of a chromatography experiment by interfering with the separation of other components in the mixture. The correct option is 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

When conducting a chromatography experiment, the different components of a mixture will separate based on their affinity to the stationary phase (paper) and the mobile phase (solvent).

Sugar, being a polar compound, can interact with the solvent and the stationary phase, potentially affecting the separation of other components in the mixture.

For example, if you are trying to separate different pigments in a plant extract using chromatography, the presence of sugar can interfere with the separation and make it difficult to observe distinct bands or spots.

Hence, Option 1 is correct.