Science Lab

Chromatography
1. Question
Is the color you see on the tip of a marker its real color?
At first I thought it would stay the same color.

2. Research/Background Information
Have you heard of the word ​Chromatography​? What does it make you think of? In Greek,
chroma ​means color. Chromatography is the process of chemically separating substances. In this
experiment, you will separate ink into its components.

3. Hypothesis
If, You put the water filter paper then it will change color.

4. Experiment
Materials
strips of filter paper (coffee filters)
washable markers
beaker
water
​ ules
R
Pencil
Procedure
1. Cut the filter paper into thin strips (1 cm x 6 cm)
2. Use a colored marker to make a dot in the middle of the strip of filter paper.
3. Place the filter paper on pencil with a strip of tape and into a jar containing water so that the
tip of the paper touches the water. Wait for the water to rise through the paper and penetrate the
dot. Record your observations in the chart below.
5. Data Collection & Analysis

Data Table
Dot Color When Dry Dot Color When Wet

A.Green A.Colors separated

B.Blue B. dark blue

C.Purple C.Pink
 D.Black D.Blue

Describe what happened when the water “touched” the dot of color?
The water slowly went up the paper.When the water touched the color it spended and changed
color.

How might this process be helpful in a forensic science investigation?

It may help if I have the same projection in the future.

6. Conclusion

I learned that colors can change because of water.