Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can explain why filtration removes an undissolved solid but cannot separate the parts of a solution. (Guide: “Why a filter cannot separate a solution”; Practice Q1, Q6)
- I can name the stationary phase and the mobile phase in paper, thin-layer and column chromatography. (Guide: “Chromatography: a tug-of-war”)
- I can explain why paper and silica gel attract polar components more strongly than nonpolar ones. (Guide; Practice Q3)
- I can explain how distillation uses differences in vapor pressure that come from differences in intermolecular forces. (Guide: “Distillation”; Practice Q4)
Skills
- I can calculate an Rf value, measuring both distances from the origin to the centre of the spot. (Guide: Figure 1; Practice Q2, Q7)
- I can rank the components of a mixture by polarity from a chromatogram on a polar stationary phase. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q3)
- I can predict the order in which components leave a column. (Guide: “Column chromatography”; Practice Q5)
- I can sketch or describe a distillation setup, with the thermometer bulb level with the side arm and water entering the condenser at the lower end. (Guide: Figure 2)
- I can read a distillation curve and say which liquid is collecting at each stage. (Guide: Worked example 2)
- I can choose a separation method that fits a mixture and justify the choice. (Guide: Worked example 3; Practice Q6)
Reasoning
- I can explain why every Rf value rises when a more polar solvent is used, while the order of the spots stays the same. (Practice Q5, Q7)
- I can explain which of two liquids distils first by comparing their intermolecular forces, not their molar masses. (Practice Q4)
- I can evaluate a claim about a separation, using evidence from a chromatogram or from distillation data. (Practice Q6, Q7)
All ticked? Move on to Topic 3.10, Solubility, or return to the course roadmap.