paper chromatography

[lacoste]

why do different solvents give different chromatograms?

[dekoyl]

Polarity between solvent and mobile phase (solvent).

[jackinthepatch]

Well...every solvent will have different bonding properties with the components under analysis. So if the solvent used bonds more strongly with the component, then the component will move further along the paper. This will give a different chromatogram to a different solvent, which may have weaker bonding with the component, meaning it will adsorb onto the paper sooner.

Hope that made sense lol =S

[TrueTears]

The stronger the bond with the solvent, means it will move further up the paper like jackinthepatch said hence the bigger then value.

[NE2000]

And as a result, not just different solvents but other differing conditions which have any effect on the interplay between adsorption and desorption as the sample components travel up the paper can change your final chromatogram.