How does the polarity of the eluent and sample affect the Rf value in thin layer chromatography? A three-component mixture (X, Y, Z) was separated using normal phase TLC. Three eluents of varying polarity were used. Select the TLC plate that was developed using the least polar eluent (click on the corresponding TLC number 1, 2, or 3 on the bottom of the plate). On TLC plate 3, select the least polar compound (click on X, Y, or Z spot on plate 3).



Does normal phase TLC mean silica gel TLC? If this is the case then plate 3 has the least polar eluent because the compounds are at the top. For the same reason compound Z would be the least polar.

The term eluent means solvent doesn't it.
Never in my years in the lab have I seen a more polar eluent that causes a lower $R_\mathrm{f}$ value than a less polar eluent. It also does not make sense theoretically.

TLC 2 is obviously the one with the least polar eluent and compound $z$ is the least polar compound.

I fully disagree with half of MaxW’s proposed answer.