What do theoretical plates tell us

In gas chromatography, this will lead to a thinner coating, improving mass transport broadening in the stationary phase.

In both gas chromatography and liquid chromatography, smaller particles will reduce the interstitial volume and reduce mobile phase mass transport broadening.

Smaller particles, provided they are packed well, also will reduce broadening contributions from eddy diffusion. Assuming a Gaussian distribution normal distribution , the theoretical plate number is represented by equation 1. As shown in Fig. Substituting these values into equation 1 gives equations 2 and 3. Theoretical plates should be determined under specific set conditions; specifically, temperature plays an important role that alters the number of theoretical plates.

Retention factor k of test solute used to determine the theoretical plates should be more than 5. Less than 5 retention factor can give an inaccurate number of theoretical plates. When comparing the efficiency of two columns; there should be same temperature conditions and retention factor k for a valid evaluation of their performance. Generally, it ranges between but it also depends upon the flow-rate, viscosity of mobile phase and molecular of the compound to be analyzed.

In reverse phase chromatography it is determined using simple hydrophobic compounds, like toluene, naphthalene or acenaphthene and mobile phase contains a higher concentration of organic solvents having low viscosity. In general HPLC analysis, most of the analyzed compounds are more polar and their mobile phase has a higher concentration of water. How to Calculate Kcat. How to Calibrate a Refractometer.

The Advantages of Fractional Distillation. What Are Agar Slants? How to Calculate the Final Concentration of a Solution How to Compose a Distillation Curve. How to Calculate Kovats Index.