Fundamental Resolution Equation

The fundamental resolution equation is used in chromatography to help relate adjustable chromatographic parameters to resolution, and is as follows: The fundamental resolution equation is used in chromatography to help relate adjustable chromatographic parameters to resolution, and is as follows: Rs = , where N = Number of theoretical plates α = Selectivity Term = k2'/k1' The term is the column factor, the term is the thermodynamic factor, and the term is the retention factor. The 3 factors are not completely independent, but they are very close, and can be treated as such. So what does this mean? It means that to increase resolution of two peaks on a chromatogram, one of the three terms of the equation need to be modified. 1) N can be increased by lengthening the column (least effective, as doubling the column will get a 21/2 or 1.44x increase in resolution).