Elution Curve of a Finite Charge

In most mathematical processes, including the derivation of the plate theory, the assumption is made that the initial charge is placed on the first plate of the column. This is difficult to achieve in practice, as the charge must occupy a finite portion of 

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Consequently, the composite elution curve for the total sample originally dispersed over the first three plates will be given by, 

It follows that the elution curve for a sample, initially dispersed over (r) plates, will be 

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In the development of the plate theory and the derivation of the equation for the elution curve of a solute, it was assumed that the initial charge was located In the first plate of the column. In practice, this is difficult to achieve, and any charge will, in fact, occupy a finite column volume and consequently a specific number of the first theoretical plates of the column. Consider the situation depicted in figure 1 where the initial charge is distributed over (r) theoretical plates. 

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