Chromatography is a laboratory technique used to separate mixtures into their individual components.

It works because different substances move at different speeds when dissolved in a fluid and passed through another material.

Chromatography = Separation Technique

Imagine you have a black ink dot. Though it looks black, it's actually a mixture of colors. Chromatography can separate those colors and show you what's inside.

Types:

1. Paper Chromatography:

• Uses special filter paper.

• A spot of ink/dye is placed on the paper.

• The bottom of the paper is dipped in a solvent (like water or alcohol).

• As the solvent moves up, it carries the dyes with it.

• Different dyes move at different speeds, so they separate.

2. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC):

• Similar to paper chromatography.

• Instead of paper, it uses a glass or plastic plate coated with a solid (like silica).

Uses:

• Identifying unknown substances

• Checking the purity of a sample

• Separating colors in inks or dyes

• Drug testing

• Forensics