Paper Chromatography & Rf Values
Separate the dyes of an ink on paper, choose the solvent and measure the Rf value of each dye.
Choose an ink, choose a solvent, and press Start. Drag the orange line to stop the solvent front and measure the Rf values.
About the Paper Chromatography & Rf Values
Free paper chromatography & rf values. Separate the dyes of an ink on paper, choose the solvent and measure the Rf value of each dye. Drag, change the sliders and see the result live. No sign-up, works on phone and computer. Built for chemistry labs, the paper chromatography & rf values runs instantly in your browser: change a setting or drag an object and the result updates at once, so you learn by trying things out rather than only reading about them.
Separate the dyes of an ink on paper, choose the solvent and measure the Rf value of each dye. Use it to explore chemistry labs ideas at your own pace, then check what you found against the key ideas further down this page.
How to use the Paper Chromatography & Rf Values
- Use the controls to change Ink sample, Solvent. The simulation reacts instantly.
- Pick an option such as Black pen, Green pen, Purple pen, Sweet colouring to switch modes or load an example.
- Press "Start", "Reset" to start, reset or change what is happening.
- Where you see a glowing handle, object, weight or atom, drag it with your mouse or finger. Everything responds in real time.
- Watch the readouts and graphs update as you experiment, and compare what you see with the key ideas below.
Things to try
- Separate the black pen in water.
- Change to ethanol and compare the Rf values.
- Drag the solvent front halfway and confirm the Rf stays the same.
Key ideas you can learn
- A solvent rises through paper and carries the dyes with it.
- Rf = distance moved by dye ÷ distance moved by solvent.
- Different dyes stick to the paper by different amounts.
- The solvent changes how far each dye travels.
Where this is used in the real world
Forensic scientists analyse inks and drugs, food companies test colourings and doctors analyse blood and urine with chromatography.
Who is this simulation for?
Students preparing for practical exams and teachers who want a virtual lab. You can repeat the experiment without chemicals, waste or safety risks.
For teachers: project it on the board, let students predict what will happen, then run it together. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Frequently asked questions
What is an Rf value?
The ratio of the distance travelled by a substance to the distance travelled by the solvent front. It is always between 0 and 1.
Why must the baseline be drawn in pencil?
Pencil does not dissolve in the solvent, but ink would run and spoil the result.
Is the Paper Chromatography & Rf Values free to use?
Yes. It is completely free, with no signup, no download and no ads inside the simulation. It runs in your web browser.
Does the Paper Chromatography & Rf Values work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. It uses touch as well as the mouse, so you can drag objects with your finger. A larger screen makes the controls easier to see.