Science Lab

Chromatography
1. Question
Is the color you see on the tip of a marker its real color?
No, because the tip is a sponge to stop the ink from falling.

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 water touches ink, then the color changes.

4. Experiment
Materials
strips of filter paper (coffee filters)
washable markers
beaker
water

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. ​Blue A.​ Navy Blue

B. ​Yellow B. ​ Yellow Orange

C. ​Black C. ​Baby Blue

D. ​Red D. ​Light Orange

Describe what happened when the water “touched” the dot of color?
​ hen the water touched a light color the color got lighter, but when the it touched a dark color it
W
got darker.

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

​The lab work can help a science investigation because of the marker experiment and how the
water made the color get darker and lighter. Also the investigation

6. Conclusion

I learned that ​when water touches ink, it spreads.