4 original questions from New Regents. The worksheet, answer key, and browser practice are free.
Reading an Ink Trail on Test Paper 4 questions
Reading an Ink Trail on Test Paper
Base your answers on the information provided and your knowledge of chemistry. Use the 2025 Chemistry Reference Tables as needed.
A museum class compares two blue inks using paper chromatography. Water moves up the paper from the starting line. Dye particles may move with the water or spend time attached to the paper. In this model, a dye that spends a larger fraction of the test attached to the paper travels a shorter distance when the same water front has passed.
| Ink spot | Blue mark A from starting line (cm) | Blue mark B from starting line (cm) | Water front from starting line (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Known ink | 1.5 | 4.5 | 6.0 |
| Unknown ink | 2.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 |
Question 1
For the known ink, which mark supports the claim that its dye spent more time attached to the paper?
- A, because it traveled a shorter distance
- A, because it reached the water front
- B, because it traveled a shorter distance
- B, because it reached the water front
The runs ended at different times. For comparison the class divides each mark’s distance by the water front distance from that same run.
Question 2
Calculate the two distance ratios for the unknown ink. Show your setup.
Write your answer and work on the printable worksheet, or answer online.
Question 3
Do the ratios rule out the known ink as a possible source of the unknown mark? Use both marks in your answer.
Write your answer and work on the printable worksheet, or answer online.
Question 4
A student says matching both ratios proves the inks are identical. Propose a follow-up comparison that could reveal a difference hidden in this test.
Write your answer and work on the printable worksheet, or answer online.
2025 Chemistry Reference Tables · Browse Chemistry worksheets