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Combined Science
Key terms
Reference substance

GCSE Combined Science · key term

Reference substance

Definition

A known substance used for comparison when identifying an unknown substance.

Used by AQA

How each exam board covers it

AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy · 8464

Specification 5.8.1.3 · Paper 4

Run known reference substances alongside the unknown using the same paper, solvent and conditions.
Revise: Chromatography

AQA Combined Science Trilogy past papers

Related key terms

Chromatogram
Chromatography
Mobile phase
Origin line
Pure substance
Rᶠ value
Solvent front
Stationary phase

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