mobile phase

The mobile phase is the liquid or gas that helps separate components in a mixture during a process called chromatography. Think of it as a carrier that flows through a system, carrying different substances at different rates based on their properties. This movement allows scientists to identify, analyze, or purify specific parts of the mixture. Essentially, the mobile phase acts as a vehicle that transports the sample through a stationary phase, enabling the separation and analysis of complex mixtures in a controlled and precise manner.