Separating the components of ink in Is Matter Pure – Class 9 Science Experiment
Chapter Name: Is Matter Pure
Activity Name: Separating the components of ink in Is Matter Pure
Activity Description:
In this experiment, the aim is to separate the components of ink using paper chromatography. Paper chromatography is a technique used to separate the different components of a mixture based on their different rates of movement through a porous medium, in this case, the filter paper.
Required Items:
- Beaker
- Rectangular shaped filter papers
- Black marker (non-permanent)
- Water
- Pencil
- Cello tape
Step by Step Procedure:
- Draw a thick line just above the bottom of the filter paper using the non-permanent black marker.
- Pour a small amount of water into the beaker.
- Hang the paper strip in the beaker with the help of a pencil and tape, ensuring that the strip’s bottom just touches the surface of the water, as shown in Figure 11.
- Make sure the ink line or mark does not touch the water.
- Allow the water to move up the paper for 5 minutes.
- Remove the paper strip from water and let it dry.
- Observe and record the colors observed in the black ink sample.
Experiment Observations:
- The experiment will show the separation of colors present in the black ink sample. Different components of the ink will move up the paper strip at different rates, leading to the appearance of different colors at distinct positions on the paper strip.
Precautions:
- Take care not to let the ink line touch the water, as it could dissolve and ruin the experiment.
- Ensure the paper strip is properly hung in the beaker, touching only the water surface.
- Handle the paper strip carefully to avoid tearing.
- Perform the experiment in a well-ventilated area and away from open flames or heat sources.
Lesson Learnt from Experiment:
The experiment demonstrates that black ink is not a single homogeneous substance but a mixture of different colored components. Through paper chromatography, these components can be separated and observed individually.
