Glossary

Plate Theory

02.27.12

A method of describing chromatography behavior. It postulates that the chromatographic column contains a large number of separate layers, called "theoretical plates." Separate equilibrations of the sample between the stationary and mobile phase occur in these "plates". The analyte moves down the column by transfer of equilibrated mobile phase from one plate to the next. Note: the plates don't actually exist. See Rate Theory and HETP.
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