How does chromatography separate the components of a chemical mixture?

Chromatography separates the components of a chemical mixture through the process of differential migration between two phases: a mobile phase (a moving liquid or gas) and a stationary phase (a solid or liquid that remains fixed).123

The mixture is introduced into the system and transported by the mobile phase through or over the stationary phase. As the components travel, they are continuously partitioned between these two phases based on their relative intermolecular forces and chemical affinities.1324

Separation occurs because different components have varying degrees of attraction to the stationary phase:
* Stronger attraction: Components that are more strongly attracted to the stationary phase are held back and migrate more slowly.143
* Weaker attraction: Components that have a higher affinity for the mobile phase spend more time migrating with the fluid stream and are transported more rapidly.124

By manipulating these forces, analysts can resolve complex mixtures into individual components based on the time it takes for each to exit the system or the distance traveled on a stationary plane.123