OAE Integrated Science (024) Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

To analyze the components of ink, paper chromatography is the appropriate process because it allows for the separation and identification of various substances in a mixture based on their differing rates of movement through a stationary phase (the paper) when a solvent is applied.

In the case of ink, which often consists of multiple colored dyes, paper chromatography facilitates the visualization of each dye component as it travels up the paper, allowing them to be separated and analyzed. This technique is particularly useful for inks because it can effectively separate pigments based on their solubility and affinity for the stationary phase.

The other methods mentioned, such as filtration, purification, and distillation, are suited for different types of analyses or separations. Filtration is used primarily to separate solids from liquids or gases, but it does not effectively separate components of a solution like ink. Purification generally refers to processes that remove contaminants or extraneous substances but is not specific to analyzing mixtures. Distillation separates components based on their boiling points and is more suited for liquid mixtures, rather than the analysis of colored compounds as found in ink. Thus, paper chromatography stands out as the most effective technique for this specific task.