If the stationary phase and the compound being tested are both polar, will the retention factor (Rf) likely be smaller or larger than if a nonpolar compound was tested? Why? The retention factor will likely be smaller as it has a smaller interaction with O 1) the stationary phase 2) The retention factor will likely be greater as it has a smaller interaction with the stationary phase 3) The retention factor will likely be smaller as it has a greater interaction with the stationary phase 4) The retention factor will likely be greater as it has a greater interaction with the stationary phase

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### Chromatography and Retention Factor (Rf) Educational Exercise

**Question:**

If the stationary phase and the compound being tested are both polar, will the retention factor (Rf) likely be smaller or larger than if a nonpolar compound was tested? Why?

**Multiple Choice Options:**

1. The retention factor will likely be smaller as it has a smaller interaction with the stationary phase.
2. The retention factor will likely be greater as it has a smaller interaction with the stationary phase.
3. The retention factor will likely be smaller as it has a greater interaction with the stationary phase.
4. The retention factor will likely be greater as it has a greater interaction with the stationary phase.

---

**Explanation:**

In chromatography, the retention factor (Rf) is a measure of how far a compound travels relative to the distance traveled by the solvent. It is calculated as follows:

\[ Rf = \frac{\text{Distance traveled by the compound}}{\text{Distance traveled by the solvent}} \]

- **When both the stationary phase and the compound are polar:** The compound will have a higher affinity for the stationary phase, leading to greater interaction and thus slower movement. This results in a smaller Rf value.
- **When the stationary phase is polar and the compound is nonpolar:** The compound will have less interaction with the stationary phase and therefore move faster, resulting in a larger Rf value.

**Interpretation of Options:**

- **Option 1:** Incorrect - Smaller interaction would lead to a greater Rf.
- **Option 2:** Incorrect - Smaller interaction would lead to a greater Rf, not applicable here.
- **Option 3:** **Correct** - Greater interaction with the stationary phase results in a smaller Rf.
- **Option 4:** Incorrect - Greater interaction would result in a smaller Rf, not a greater one.

**Correct Answer:** **3) The retention factor will likely be smaller as it has a greater interaction with the stationary phase.**
Transcribed Image Text:### Chromatography and Retention Factor (Rf) Educational Exercise **Question:** If the stationary phase and the compound being tested are both polar, will the retention factor (Rf) likely be smaller or larger than if a nonpolar compound was tested? Why? **Multiple Choice Options:** 1. The retention factor will likely be smaller as it has a smaller interaction with the stationary phase. 2. The retention factor will likely be greater as it has a smaller interaction with the stationary phase. 3. The retention factor will likely be smaller as it has a greater interaction with the stationary phase. 4. The retention factor will likely be greater as it has a greater interaction with the stationary phase. --- **Explanation:** In chromatography, the retention factor (Rf) is a measure of how far a compound travels relative to the distance traveled by the solvent. It is calculated as follows: \[ Rf = \frac{\text{Distance traveled by the compound}}{\text{Distance traveled by the solvent}} \] - **When both the stationary phase and the compound are polar:** The compound will have a higher affinity for the stationary phase, leading to greater interaction and thus slower movement. This results in a smaller Rf value. - **When the stationary phase is polar and the compound is nonpolar:** The compound will have less interaction with the stationary phase and therefore move faster, resulting in a larger Rf value. **Interpretation of Options:** - **Option 1:** Incorrect - Smaller interaction would lead to a greater Rf. - **Option 2:** Incorrect - Smaller interaction would lead to a greater Rf, not applicable here. - **Option 3:** **Correct** - Greater interaction with the stationary phase results in a smaller Rf. - **Option 4:** Incorrect - Greater interaction would result in a smaller Rf, not a greater one. **Correct Answer:** **3) The retention factor will likely be smaller as it has a greater interaction with the stationary phase.**
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