The key difference between Whatman filter paper 1 and 2 is that Whatman filter paper 1 is slightly less retentive than Whatman filter paper 2.
Filtration is a technique of separating different components in a mixture. We can use filter papers for this separation. We use it as a barrier that is perpendicular to either liquid flow or airflow. Thus, these filter papers are useful for qualitative or quantitative analysis. Whatman filter paper is specific for qualitative analysis. There are different grades of Whatman filter papers such as grade 1 filter paper, grade 2 filter paper, grade 3 filter paper and so on. The most commonly used among them is Whatman filter paper 1. However, it is slightly less retentive compared to the Whatman filter paper 2.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Whatman Filter Paper 1
3. What is Whatman Filter Paper 2
4. Side by Side Comparison – Whatman Filter Paper 1 vs 2 in Tabular Form
5. Summary
What is Whatman Filter Paper 1?
Whatman filter paper 1 is the most widely used type of filter paper, and it has a medium retention ability. That means; compared to grade 2 Whatman filter paper, this grade 1 paper is slightly less retentive. This type of filter papers is available as either circles or sheets. Usually, the thickness is around 180 micrometre. These filter papers can retain particles as small as 11 micrometres. However, it has medium retention and medium flow rate comparatively.
Mostly, we use these filter papers for clarifying liquids. In addition, there are some specific applications, including the followings:
- Soil analysis
- Qualitative separation of lead sulfate, calcium carbonate and calcium oxalate
- Gas detection upon the addition of chromatographic reagents
- Collection of atmospheric dust for analysis purposes
What is Whatman Filter Paper 2?
Whatman filter paper 2 is a more retentive grade of filter papers. It is more retentive than Whatman filter paper 1. It is also available in circle form and sheet form. However, these circles and sheets are much smaller compared to grade 1 Whatman filter papers. Moreover, these filter papers can hold up to 8 micrometre small particles. Generally, the thickness of these filter papers is about 190 micrometres.
Due to more efficient filtration, the filtration time is high compared to grade 1 filter paper. Some specific applications where we use these filter papers are as follows:
- Analysis of plant growth; to analyze the nutrients present in soil solution
- To monitor the contaminants in air and soil
What is the Difference Between Whatman Filter Paper 1 and 2?
Whatman filter paper is specific for qualitative analysis. There are different grades of Whatman filter papers such as grade 1 filter paper, grade 2 filter paper, grade 3 filter paper and so on. Among them, the most commonly used filter paper is Whatman filter paper 1. The key difference between Whatman filter paper 1 and 2 is that Whatman filter paper 1 is slightly less retentive than Whatman filter paper 2. That is; the particle size that Whatman filter paper 1 can hold is about 11 micrometer particles while the Whatman filter paper 2 holds up to 8 micrometre small particles.
The below infographic summarizes the difference between Whatman filter paper 1 and 2.
Summary – Whatman Filter Paper 1 vs 2
Whatman filter paper is specific for qualitative analysis. There are different grades of Whatman filter papers such as grade 1 filter paper, grade 2 filter paper, grade 3 filter paper and so on. Among them, the most commonly used filter paper is Whatman filter paper 1. The key difference between Whatman filter paper 1 and 2 is that Whatman filter paper 1 is slightly less retentive than the Whatman filter paper 2.
Reference:
1. “A Guide to Whatman Filter Paper Grades.” GE Healthcare Life Sciences, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Whatman filter paper” By Chiaoli – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Whatman filter paper for blood drop collection” By Magnus Manske – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia