Which separation technique is used to separate different pigments in a mixture based on their affinity for a stationary phase and a mobile phase?

Answer Details

The separation technique used to separate different pigments in a mixture based on their affinity for a stationary phase and a mobile phase is chromatography.

Chromatography is a method that takes advantage of the fact that different substances have different affinities for the components of the mixture. It involves two phases: the stationary phase and the mobile phase.

The stationary phase is a solid or a liquid that does not move, while the mobile phase is a liquid or a gas that moves through or over the stationary phase.

When the mixture is applied to the stationary phase, the pigments begin to separate based on their affinity for each phase. Some pigments may have a higher affinity for the stationary phase, causing them to move more slowly, while others have a higher affinity for the mobile phase, causing them to move more quickly.

As the mobile phase moves through the stationary phase, the individual pigments are carried along at different rates, resulting in their separation. The separated pigments can then be collected and analyzed.

In summary, chromatography is used to separate different pigments in a mixture based on their affinity for a stationary phase and a mobile phase. It exploits the fact that each pigment has a different affinity for the phases, allowing for their separation and analysis.