In chromatography, the mobile phase is the liquid or gas that moves through the stationary phase and carries the substances in a mixture with it. It helps to separate the components based on how well they travel with the mobile phase.
For example, in paper chromatography, the mobile phase is the solvent (like water or ethanol) that moves up the paper and carries the different dyes. Substances that are more soluble in the mobile phase travel further, while less soluble ones stay closer to the start.
The mobile phase is essential for separating and identifying the different components in a mixture.
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