Question

which of the following methods is most appropriate to use to determine the number of different - colored components in a sample of black ink?
a distillation at atmospheric pressure
b elemental analysis to determine the mass ratio of c:h:n:o
c column chromatography using a nonpolar stationary phase and water as the mobile phase
d paper chromatography using different solvents with a range of polarities as the mobile phase

Explanation:

Chromatography is used to separate mixtures. Paper chromatography with different - polarity solvents can separate colored components in ink based on their different affinities for the stationary (paper) and mobile (solvent) phases. Distillation separates based on boiling - point differences, elemental analysis determines elemental composition, and column chromatography with a non - polar stationary phase and water may not be as effective as paper chromatography for this simple ink separation.

Answer:

D. Paper chromatography using different solvents with a range of polarities as the mobile phase