Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) GCSE Chemistry Paper 1 Practice Exam

The pattern formed from carrying out paper chromatography is known as a chromatogram. During the process of chromatography, different substances in a mixture move through the paper at different rates due to their varying affinities for the stationary phase (the paper) and the mobile phase (the solvent). As a result, the substances separate from one another, and their positions are visible as distinct spots or bands on the chromatogram. This visual representation allows for analysis of the components of the mixture.

The term "chromatogram" specifically refers to this result, encapsulating the idea that it is a graphical representation of the separation process. Each spot on the chromatogram corresponds to a separate component of the mixture, providing valuable information about its composition.