In a paper chromatography analysis, three pigments, a, b, and c, were dissolved in a solvent. a is slightly polar, b is highly polar, and c is moderately polar. list in order how these will appear on the surface of the chromatography strip starting from the applied spot at the origin line.

It would depend on the eluent solvent what we use ,If we would use a polar solvent than B will be appear first followed by c and then A on the chromatography strip.

If we use non-polar eluent solvent than A will be separated first followed by C and thenB on the chromatography strip.

Explanation:

Separation using paper chromatography is dependent upon the polarity of various  pigments .

A polar pigment would move ahead in case of polar solvent used and a non-polar pigment would move ahead when we use a non-polar solvent.

So separation would occur in order of polarity  of various pigments in a given solvent.

The amount of distance travelled by each component (or pigment or spot) can be calculated using the formula for retention factor:

Rf= Distance travelled by pigment spot or solute/Distance travelled by eluent solvent

Rf= Retention factor

Retention factor is basically the ratio of distance tarvelled by the pigment or spot to the ratio of distance travelled by the solvent.