In: Chemistry
From the first addition, we have a Rf difference of 0.01.
Let's say that the overall distance from baseline to solvent front
was 10 cm long. Then the two spots traveled 2.5 and 2.6 cm.
Now, consider what happens if we run the plate again. When the
solvent hits the first spot, it begins picking it up, and the spot
will travel 0.25 * 7.5 cm (the distance from the spot to the end of
the plate). So this new spot will be at 2.5 + .25*7.5 = 4.375
cm.
Similarly, when the solvent hits 2.6 cm, it will start picking up
the second spot. The second spot will move 2.6 cm + .26*7.4 = 4.524
cm.
The new Rfs are then 0.4375 and 0.4524, for an Rf difference of
0.0149.
Thus, if you develop the plate a second time, you would expect to
see increased separation between the two spots!