Cupid has a problem: his love notes are smudged! But what looks like a messy accident is actually the perfect setup for a forensic investigation.
In this visually stunning experiment, your students will play detective to discover that black ink isn't what it seems and that a simple drop of water can reveal a hidden rainbow.
The "Rainbow Reveal" This is one of those "magic" science moments that hooks students immediately.
- The Mystery: Who wrote the note? The answer lies in the unique chemical fingerprint of the pen.
- The Experiment: Using chromatography, students will separate mixtures in real-time, watching as inks travel up the paper and split into their component dyes.
- The Science: It’s a race! Students will see firsthand how solubility and attraction create a "tug-of-war" that separates the colors.
Curriculum Concepts You’ll Cover This links directly to required practicals and core chemistry topics:
- KS3 Separating Mixtures: Mastering chromatography.
- KS4 Chemical Analysis: Calculating Rf values and identifying pure substances vs. mixtures.
- Required Practical: Covers key skills for AQA and other exam boards.
Ready to Solve the Case? Skip the prep stress. Download the full resource, complete with Rf value calculations for KS4, teacher guidance on solvents, and real-world forensic links.
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