The above diagram shows the gas chromatogram of a sample containing four straight chain alkanes - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2009 - Paper 1
Question 6
The above diagram shows the gas chromatogram of a sample containing four straight chain alkanes. The following statements refer to this chromatogram.
I The boilin... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The above diagram shows the gas chromatogram of a sample containing four straight chain alkanes - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2009 - Paper 1
Step 1
I The boiling points of the compounds arranged from highest to lowest are Z > Y > X > W.
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This statement is true. In a gas chromatogram, compounds with higher boiling points elute later. Given the peak areas, Z has the highest area, followed by Y, then X, and W has the lowest area, consistent with their boiling point trend.
Step 2
II The retention times will stay the same if the temperature at which the chromatogram is recorded is increased, all other conditions remaining constant.
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This statement is false. Generally, increasing the temperature of the column will decrease the retention times, as the compounds will vaporize and elute more quickly.
Step 3
III Hydrogen gas could have been used as a carrier gas to obtain this chromatogram.
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This statement is true. Hydrogen is often used as a carrier gas in gas chromatography due to its efficiency and ability to produce sharper peaks.