In chromatography, which of the following can the mobile phase be made of?Select one:a.Liquid or gasb.Solid or liquidc.Gas onlyd.Liquid only

Breakdown of the Problem

1. Identify the components of chromatography.
2. Understand the definition and role of the mobile phase.
3. Examine each answer choice to determine its validity.

Relevant Concepts

• In chromatography, the mobile phase is the phase that moves through the stationary phase and carries the analyte.
• The mobile phase can be in different forms depending on the type of chromatography being used.

Analysis and Detail

1. Choice a: Liquid or gas

   • This is correct because in techniques like gas chromatography (GC), the mobile phase is gas, while in liquid chromatography (LC), it is liquid.

2. Choice b: Solid or liquid

   • This is incorrect; while the stationary phase can be solid or liquid, the mobile phase cannot be solid.

3. Choice c: Gas only

   • This is too restrictive as it does not include liquid mobile phases used in various chromatography techniques.

4. Choice d: Liquid only

   • This is also too restrictive as it excludes gaseous mobile phases utilized in gas chromatography.

Verify and Summarize

The correct answer must encompass both liquid and gas options because chromatography employs both types as mobile phases depending on the method used.

Final Answer

a. Liquid or gas is the correct choice as the mobile phase in chromatography can be either liquid or gas.