Chromatography allows us to separate mixtures into their individual substances. More specifically, homogeneous mixtures can be separated by this method. An example commonly used is a sharpie or ink from a pen. A sample is put onto chromatography paper and then into a solvent. The ink then spreads on the paper, showing the different components. There are two phases to this process: stationary and mobile. The stationary phase is the medium performing the separation. The mobile phase carries the mixture. The components of the mixture move at different rates and so separation occurs. This can also be done with photosynthetic pigments. Chlorophyll A, Chlorophyll B, and xanthophylls can be separated by how far they travel along the filter paper. They travel different distances and are able to be separated because of their molecular weight.
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