What is the principle behind the use of chromatography for qualitative analysis?

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Q: What is the principle behind the use of chromatography for qualitative analysis?

Solution: Chromatography separates components based on their solubility in the mobile phase relative to the stationary phase.

Steps: 5

Step 1: Understand that chromatography is a technique used to separate different substances in a mixture.
Step 2: Identify the two main phases in chromatography: the stationary phase (the material that stays still) and the mobile phase (the liquid or gas that moves).
Step 3: Recognize that different substances in the mixture have different levels of solubility in the mobile phase.
Step 4: Realize that when the mobile phase moves through the stationary phase, substances that are more soluble will travel further than those that are less soluble.
Step 5: Conclude that this difference in movement allows us to separate and identify the components of the mixture based on how far they travel.