For IndividualsFor Educators
ExpertMinds LogoExpertMinds
ExpertMinds

Ace your certifications with Practice Exams and AI assistance.

  • Browse Exams
  • For Educators
  • Blog
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Cookie Policy
  • Support
  • AWS SAA Exam Prep
  • PMI PMP Exam Prep
  • CPA Exam Prep
  • GCP PCA Exam Prep

© 2026 TinyHive Labs. Company number 16262776.

    PracticeAQA GCSEAQA GCSE Chemistry Higher Tier Paper 2Question 04.6
    Easy2 marksStructured
    Chemical analysisHigherinstrumental analysisgas chromatography

    AQA GCSE · Question 04.6 · Chemical analysis

    Another type of chromatography is called gas chromatography. Gas chromatography is an instrumental method of chemical analysis. Scientists tested the orange dyes using gas chromatography.
    Suggest two advantages of using the instrumental method of gas chromatography rather than paper chromatography.

    How to approach this question

    This question asks for the advantages of modern instrumental methods (like gas chromatography) over simpler, manual methods (like paper chromatography). Think about what machines and computers are good at compared to humans performing a lab experiment. Consider speed, accuracy, and the amount of substance needed.

    Full Answer

    Any two from: - It is much more sensitive (can detect very small amounts). - It is much more accurate/precise. - It is much faster. - It can be automated / linked to a computer.
    Instrumental methods like gas chromatography (GC) have several key advantages over manual techniques like paper chromatography: 1. **Sensitivity:** Instrumental methods are far more sensitive. They can detect and measure tiny traces of a substance that would be invisible on a paper chromatogram. 2. **Accuracy and Precision:** Machines provide quantitative data (e.g., the exact amount of a substance) with high accuracy and precision (repeatability), whereas paper chromatography is largely qualitative (identifying substances) and relies on measurements by eye. 3. **Speed:** An analysis using GC can be completed very quickly, often in a matter of minutes, while paper chromatography can take an hour or more. 4. **Automation:** Instrumental methods can be automated and linked to a computer for data analysis, allowing many samples to be run without constant human supervision.

    Common mistakes

    ✗ Giving disadvantages (e.g., "it is expensive"). ✗ Giving vague answers like "it is better" or "it gives better results" without being specific. ✗ Stating that it is "easier" - this is subjective and often not true as the equipment is complex.
    Question 04.5All questionsQuestion 05.1

    Practice the full AQA GCSE Chemistry Higher Tier Paper 2

    48 questions · hints · full answers · grading

    Sign up freeTake the exam

    More questions from this exam

    Q01.1A student investigated an aqueous solution of a salt. The student identified that the salt soluti...EasyQ01.2Describe a test to identify chloride ions. Give the result of the test.EasyQ01.3The student determined the concentration of sodium chloride in the salt solution using this metho...EasyQ01.4How did the student calculate the mass of solid sodium chloride remaining after steps 1 to 5?EasyQ01.5The student calculated the concentration of sodium chloride in the salt solution. Table 1 shows t...Medium
    View all 48 questions →