Thin layer chromatography of a mixture shows the following observation:
Given below are two statements: Statement : A is more mobile and interacts with the mobile phase more than C, and C is more than B. Statement : A is less mobile and interacts with the stationary phase more than C.
A > B > C
C > A > B
A > C > B
B > C > A
Correct answer:C
Standard Method
Given: Thin layer chromatography observation states that A is more mobile than C, and C is more mobile than B.
Find: The correct order of mobility.
In thin layer chromatography, greater interaction with the mobile phase means greater mobility, while greater interaction with the stationary phase means lower mobility.
From the given observation:
Therefore, A has the highest mobility, C has intermediate mobility, and B has the least mobility.
Hence, the correct option is C.
Direct Observation Trick
Given: The statement directly compares the mobility of A, C, and B.
Find: The correct order.
Use the mobility comparison exactly as written: A is more mobile than C, and C is more mobile than B. So the order is immediately:
Therefore, the correct option is C.
Confusing interaction with the mobile phase with interaction with the stationary phase. Greater interaction with the mobile phase increases movement; use mobile-phase affinity to rank higher mobility.
Using Statement instead of the observation-supported statement. The solution supports the order from Statement , so do not reverse the mobility order based on the contradictory statement.
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