Pull out the bin of markers and search for the black ones to get started with this fun chromatography lab! All you need are a couple of markers (more is better), water, a paper towel, and a dish/bowl. Use what you have around the house or classroom to explore simple science any day of the week!
EASY CHROMATOGRAPHY EXPERIMENT WITH MARKERS
INK CHROMATOGRAPHY
What is chromatography? Chromatography is separating the parts of a mixture so that you can see each one by itself. When you dip the paper in water, the dried pigments from the marker ink dissolve. As the water travels up the paper, it carries the pigments along with it. Different colors pigments are carried along at different rates; some travel farther and faster than others.
ALSO CHECK OUT: Leaf Chromatography
How fast each pigment travels depends on the pigment molecule and how strongly the pigment is attracted to the paper. Since the water carries the different pigments at different rates, the black ink separates to reveal the colors that were mixed to create it. What colors will you observe when you complete the chromatography experiment below?
CLICK HERE TO GRAB YOUR FREE CHROMATOGRAPHY PROJECT!
PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY LAB
SUPPLIES:
- Black markers
- Scissors
- Paper towel
- Bowl of water
HOW TO SET UP CHROMATOGRAPHY EXPERIMENT
STEP 1. Gather 4 different brands of black markers.
STEP 2. Cut 4 strips of paper towel.
STEP 3. Fill a bowl with water.
STEP 4. Using one of the black markers, color a small square at one end of the paper towel. Repeat with the remaining markers and paper towel strips.
STEP 5. Dip the end nearest the black square into the water and hang the end over the edge of the bowl.
STEP 6. Repeat for each strip and let them sit until they are completely wet. Observe what colors you can see in the strips.
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PAPER CHROMATROGPHY EXPERIMENT WITH MARKERS
Click on the image below or on the link for more easy and fun science experiments for kids.
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