A wick of filter paper is placed in a TLC developing jar, and the ...

[K@]

A wick of filter paper is placed in a TLC developing jar, and the atmosphere in the jar is satu
  rated with solvent before a plate is developed. What would happen if a plate were developed
  in a jar with an atmosphere not saturated with solvent vapor?

Question 2

If two compounds have Rf values of 0.50 and 0.61, how far will they be separated from each
  other on a plate when the solvent front is developed to
  (a) 5 cm?
  (b) 15 cm?

[Gabe]

Answer to Question 1

The solvent front would not move evenly up the plate because it would be evaporating from
the plate. Also the Rf from such a plate would be unreliable because more solvent is moving up
the plate than normal, moving the spot farther up the plate than it should be.

Answer to Question 2

(a) x cm/5.0 cm = 0.50; x = 2.5 cm. Similarly, y = 3.05 cm. Separation = 3.05  2.5) = 0.55 cm.
(b) 1.65 cm

[K@]

Gracias!

[shailee]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it