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MSH Practical Laboratory Series
Lab 4: Paper Chromatography of Food Dyes
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620
Printable Student Worksheet
Paper 5 / Paper 6 Skills
Topic: 12.3 Chromatography | Student printable version
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Aim

To complete a practical investigation linked to 12.3 Chromatography and develop IGCSE practical skills in observation, measurement, recording, analysis and evaluation.

Learning Objectives

Apparatus and Chemicals

Safety:

Risk Assessment Summary

Possible hazardSafety precautionEmergency response
Chemicals may irritate skin or eyes.Wear eye protection; avoid direct contact; use small quantities.Rinse affected area with plenty of water and inform the teacher.
Glassware, hot apparatus or flames may cause injury.Handle apparatus carefully; use test-tube holders; keep bags away from benches.Report breakages, burns or spills immediately.

Paper 5 / Paper 6 Practical Skills Checklist

I selected and used suitable apparatus safely.
I recorded observations and measurements clearly.
I used correct units and table headings.
I identified variables where appropriate.
I processed data or drew conclusions from evidence.
I evaluated the method and suggested improvements.

Method

  1. Draw a pencil baseline about 2 cm from the bottom of the paper.
  2. Place small spots of each dye on the baseline.
  3. Add a shallow layer of solvent to the beaker.
  4. Suspend the paper so the baseline is above the solvent level.
  5. Allow the solvent to rise near the top of the paper.
  6. Remove the paper and mark the solvent front in pencil.
  7. Measure distances moved by each spot and the solvent.

Results

SampleDistance moved by spot / cmDistance moved by solvent / cmRf value
A
B
C

Additional observations:

Analysis Questions

  1. Why must the baseline be above the solvent?
  2. Why is pencil used instead of ink?
  3. Which sample appears to be pure? Explain.
  4. Calculate the Rf value for one sample.

Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER)

Claim: What happened?Evidence: What data/observations support this?Reasoning: What chemistry explains it?

Conclusion

State what the chromatogram shows about the samples tested.

Evaluation

Identify one source of error and one improvement to the method.

Source of errorImprovement

Extension / Challenge

Explain how chromatography could be used to identify an unknown dye.

Teacher Assessment (30 Marks Total)

CriterionMarks
Planning & Organisation5
Data Collection & Observations5
Processing & Analysis10
Evaluation & Improvements5
Conclusion5
Total30

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