What is chromatography? Explain the principle behind it.

Chromatography is a technique used to separate components of a mixture, and also purify compounds.

Principle : 

The principle of separation of substances in chromatography is based on the distribution of the solutes in two phases, i.e., stationary phase and mobile phase.

• Chromatography uses two phases for separation.
• This technique is based on the difference in rates at which components in the mixture move through the stationary phase under the influence of the mobile phase.
• In this technique, first the mixture of components is loaded at one end of the stationary phase and then the mobile phase is allowed to move over the stationary phase. The mobile phase can be a pure solvent or a mixture of solvents.
• Depending on the relative affinity of the components toward the stationary phase and mobile phase, they remain on the surface of the stationary phase or move along with the mobile phase, and gradually get separated.