Using paper chromatography, a student separated a dye spot into three components, A, B, and C. The components traveled 4.2 cm, 5.7 cm, and 8.0 cm,. respectively from their initial position on the strip. The solvent front traveled 12.1 cm.
a. Which component had the greatest affinity for the mobile phase? Explain.
b. Which component had the greatest affinity for the solid phase? Explain.