Chromatography is a technique used to separate mixtures into individual components. It works by using the differential affinities of components for a mobile phase and stationary phase. As the mobile phase carries the mixture through the stationary phase, each component travels a different distance based on how strongly it is attracted to the two phases. Chromatography can be used to analyze, identify, purify, and quantify mixtures and their components. Common applications include pharmaceutical analysis, medical testing, forensic analysis, pollution monitoring, and chemical purification.