Lab: #26

Title: Pigments in markers

Date: 12/26/20
Problem Statement: Gregory believes different brands of black markers contains the same
pigment. Paul, however, argues that each company uses a different pigment which is kept as a
secret. Plan and design an experiment to determine which student is correct.
Hypothesis: Brand A black markers does not contain the same pigment as Brand B black
markers
Aim: To determine if different brands of black markers contain the same pigment
Material: 3 different brands of black markers
Apparatus: 3 labelled beakers, water, chromatography paper/ coffee filter, pencil, and ruler.
Method:
1. On a strip of chromatography paper, using a pencil mark a line 1 cm from one of the edges.
2. Place a spot from the black marker labeled A at the center of the line and allow it to dry.
3. Pour water in a 30 ml beaker to the height of 1 ml.
4. Place the chromatography paper in the water vertically; ensuring the line on the paper is
above the level of the water.
5. Remove the chromatography paper when the water reaches near the top
6. Immediately draw a line to show the level of the water.
7. Allow the paper to dry and measure the distance travel by the water as well as all the
pigment/components
8. Repeat the procedure for markers B and C

Manipulating: Markers
Controlling: Size of spot
Responding: Space between the pigments will move.

Observations:
TABLE SHOWING RETARDATION FACTOR OF PIGMENTS IN EACH MARKER
Sample
Solvent
# of pigment
Retardation
factor(Rf)
Treatment of results:
1. number of pigments on each chromatograph

Limitation: Markers are not available

Source of error: Do not let the spot go below the level of the water.
Assumption: there are more pigments in the black markers.
Precautions: Make sure the spot stays above the solvent.