23. In the following paper chromatogram using water as the solvent, which component of the mixture (1 or 2) has the greatest affinity for the mobile phase, and what is the identity of the mobile phase?
C
Explanation:
The student must first recall that the component with the greatest affinity for the mobile phase will travel the furthest in paper chromatography. In this case, spot #2 is the furthest from the starting line, so it has the greatest affinity for the mobile phase.
In paper chromatography, the mobile phase is always the solvent (water, in this case), while the stationary phase is the paper.
This question is categorized as easy because the student must only recall basic definitions and concepts for paper chromatography.