The principle involved in paper chromatography is

Absorption

Partition

Solubility

Volatility

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UPSC CAPF – 2019

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Paper chromatography is a separation technique based on the principle of partition. The components of a mixture distribute themselves between two phases: a stationary phase (the water molecules adsorbed on the cellulose fibers of the paper) and a mobile phase (a solvent that moves up the paper). Separation occurs because different components have different solubilities in the mobile phase and different affinities for the stationary phase, leading to differential rates of movement up the paper.

The core principle of paper chromatography is the partition of solutes between the stationary phase (water on paper) and the mobile phase (solvent). While solubility in the mobile phase and interaction with the stationary phase are factors, the overall process is governed by the partition coefficient of each substance between the two phases.

Other chromatographic techniques exist, such as thin-layer chromatography (TLC), column chromatography, and gas chromatography, which utilize principles like adsorption, partition, size exclusion, or ion exchange for separation. Paper chromatography is a specific type of partition chromatography.

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