Forensic Analysis - Chrom1

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to chromatography, including definitions of important terms and methods used in the separation process.

Chromatography

A method used to separate a mixture into its various components based on differing interactions with stationary and mobile phases.

Mobile Phase (MP)

The phase that transports the sample mixture in chromatography.

Stationary Phase (SP)

The phase that remains fixed in place during chromatography, providing a medium for separation.

Partition Coefficient (K)

A ratio used to express the distribution of a component between the stationary phase and the mobile phase.

Planar Chromatography

A chromatography method that includes techniques such as Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC).

Column Chromatography

A chromatography technique that includes methods such as Gas Chromatography (GC) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

Volatility

A major property affecting the separation process, indicating how easily a substance vaporizes.

Selectivity (α)

A measure of a column's ability to distinguish between two components in a chromatogram.

Resolution (Rs)

A measure of how well two components are separated in chromatography; a higher value indicates better separation.

Dead Time (tm)

The time it takes for an unretained (non-sticking) component to elute from the column.

Peak Asymmetry

A measurement of the symmetry of chromatographic peaks, important for analyzing the quality of separation.

Plate Height (H)

A measure used to describe the efficiency of the chromatography taking into account the column length; smaller values are better.

Capacity (k')

A measure of a column's ability to retain a selected component during chromatography.

 chromatographic quality

Evaluated based on capacity, selectivity, plate number, and resolution.

Retention Time (tr)

The time taken for a component to pass through the chromatography column and be detected.