It follows that the concentration leaving the (n)th plate (X_E) will be

Employing the alternative Gaussian form of the elution equation,

                                           (61)

Furthermore, at the peak maximum when v=n  and  w=0,

                                                          (62)

Equation (62) shows that, when the charge is placed on the first plate, (X_n) can never equal zero and pure mobile phase free of solute will never elute from the column. However, in practice, it is impossible to place a sample exclusively on the first plate, and there must be a finite volume of mobile phase that will occupy a finite number of theoretical plates.