What principle does chromatography rely on?

Chromatography is a technique used to separate and analyze mixtures based on the varying rates at which their components move through a medium, often referred to as the stationary phase while a solvent known as the mobile phase carries them. This process relies fundamentally on the differences in the movement of substances, which is influenced by various factors such as their size, charge, affinity for the stationary phase, and interactions with the mobile phase.

In chromatography, different substances will traverse the medium at different speeds. For example, those that interact more strongly with the stationary phase will move more slowly compared to those that have a weaker interaction. As a result, this differential movement allows for the separation of the components in a mixture, enabling their identification and quantification. Understanding this principle is essential for performing chromatography effectively and interpreting the results accurately. Other options mentioned relate to entirely different scientific concepts that do not apply to the fundamental workings of chromatography.