at home chromatrography

grow a rainbow

Chromatography is defined as the separation of a mixture by passing it in solution or suspension or as a vapor. This week we are going to use...

• Paper Towels
• Washable Markers (washable is important)
  
• Two Cups
• Water​

Take the paper towel and fold it in half horizontally. Color only one end in small squares of each color to make a full rainbow (check the accompanying photo). You will do this on the opposite ends of the paper towel and place each of the colored ends into the glass of water and watch the magic happen!

Capillary action is what causes the color to move through the paper towel and moves the molecules of the markers through the paper towel. Because the markers are alcohol based and not water based the color will not travel through the water. 

Happy Coloring!