A chromatography column is typically described by its number of theoretical plates, N, where N is defined by the equation N=16 (tr/w) 2 . The terms tr and Ï are defined in Figure. Calculate N for each of the three peaks in the chromatogram in the picture and state whether N is constant.
Unretained solute 60 s 3.52 s 1/2 o 1.5 s 100 200 Component A tr 360 s /2 8.46 s 400 300 Time (s) 500 Component B 14.10 s 6.0 s 600 700
