In the step gradient separation, four separate fractions were collected. how were these related to the polarities of the column and of the eluting solvent?

  These related to the polarities of the column and of the eluting solvent When you run a column are 
 1) always start with a more non-polar solvent ratio and SLOWLY increase the polarity of the solvent.
1) Columns are generally made with silica which is highly polar, so compounds that are more polar in nature will interact with the silica more than those that are non-polar.
 3) The first fractions to come out should be most non-polar, with each fraction collected after that being more and more polar.
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Ionic compounds dissociate into component ions dissolved into a solution creating substances called "electrolytes".hope my answer has you : )