After the Scene:  Some Questions to Consider

Act I

  1. In Act I: Eddy Diffusion, why did the three molecules in each "zone" or solute group travel at slightly different rates through the column, even though the molecules themselves were identical? How could this effect be minimized or eliminated?
     
  2. Would the phenomenon that you described in answer to #1 be affected by the velocity of the mobile phase, and if so, how?
 

Act II

  1. In Act II: Longitudinal Diffusion, each group or zone consisted of the same number of identical solute molecules (representing the same initial concentration). What aspect of their travel through the column resulted in different extents of spreading (or longitudinal diffusion) for each of the three solute zones? Consequently, how does the velocity of the mobile phase affect the zone broadening in this case? How could broadening be minimized in this case?
 

Act III

  1. Even with mobile phase molecules traveling at a constant speed via regular paths through the chromatographic column in Act III: Resistance to Mass Transfer, did the six identical solute molecules arrive at the far end of the column at the same time? If not, why not?
     
  2. Would the velocity of the mobile phase have any impact on the phenomenon that you described in answer to #4? If so, what would that effect be?


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