Explain how paper chromatography could be used to separate a mixture of different coloured inks

Chromatography is a method of separation of materials from a mixture. Paper chromatography is a technique of separation where, paper used as a stationary phase and solvent used to separate the sample used as a mobile phase. The sample is applied over the paper in small quantity. The components of the sample separates in a chromatographic paper due to the movement of solvent. The components of the sample moves with the solvent.

Paper chromatography is a useful technique for ink analysis. Ink consists of several dyes, which can be separated individually. When the ink is exposed to certain solvent mixtures the dyes of the ink dissolves in the mixture. Each ink components acquire distinct distance according to the retention factor. Some inks are water soluble, so the solvent used for separation should be water. Inks which are not water soluble are soluble in other solvents like alcohol.