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Question 1:

What is the primary application of Ion Chromatography (IC)?

A) Separation of proteins
B) Analysis of volatile compounds
C) Determination of metal ions
D) Quantification of organic solvents

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Explanation: The correct answer is C) Determination of metal ions. The primary application of Ion Chromatography (IC) is the determination and analysis of metal ions in various samples. IC is widely used for measuring cations (positively charged ions), anions (negatively charged ions), and other inorganic species in environmental, pharmaceutical, and industrial samples. IC techniques, such as ion-exchange chromatography and chelation ion chromatography, are specifically designed for the separation and quantification of metal ions.

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Question 2:

What is the stationary phase in Ion Chromatography (IC)?

A) Liquid solvent
B) Solid support (usually a column)
C) Gas phase
D) Detector

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Explanation: The correct answer is B) Solid support (usually a column). In Ion Chromatography (IC), the stationary phase is a solid support, usually in the form of a column. The solid support is typically composed of ion-exchange resins or other materials with specific chemical functionalities that interact with the target ions in the sample. The stationary phase facilitates the separation of ions based on their interactions with the ion-exchange sites.

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Question 3:

What is the purpose of the eluent in Ion Chromatography (IC)?

A) Separating the analytes based on their molecular weight
B) Providing electrical conductivity
C) Carrying the analytes through the column
D) Detecting and measuring the analytes

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Explanation: The correct answer is C) Carrying the analytes through the column. In Ion Chromatography (IC), the eluent or mobile phase serves the purpose of carrying the analytes through the column. The eluent is a liquid solvent or a mixture of solvents that interacts with the stationary phase and helps in the separation of ions based on their affinity for the ion-exchange sites. The composition and concentration of the eluent can be adjusted to optimize the separation and retention of target ions.

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Question 4:

What type of detector is commonly used in Ion Chromatography (IC)?

A) Flame ionization detector (FID)
B) UV-Visible detector
C) Mass spectrometer (MS)
D) Conductivity detector

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Explanation: The correct answer is D) Conductivity detector. Conductivity detectors are commonly used in Ion Chromatography (IC) for detecting and measuring ions. These detectors work based on the principle that ions in a conductive eluent will cause a change in electrical conductivity. As ions elute from the column, they pass through the conductivity detector, which measures the change in conductivity and converts it into a signal for quantification. Conductivity detectors offer excellent sensitivity and selectivity for the detection of ions in IC.

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Question 5:

What is the purpose of the suppressor in Ion Chromatography (IC)?

A) To enhance the separation efficiency
B) To increase the eluent flow rate
C) To minimize baseline noise
D) To suppress the eluent conductivity

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Explanation: The correct answer is D) To suppress the eluent conductivity. The suppressor in Ion Chromatography (IC) is an essential component that reduces the background conductivity of the eluent. The suppressor achieves this by removing unwanted ions, such as those derived from the eluent itself, from the eluent flow. This suppression of eluent conductivity allows for better detection and measurement of analyte ions. The suppressor is particularly important when analyzing low-concentration ions or when a high level of sensitivity is required.