Chromatography is a laboratory technique used to separate mixtures into their individual components. It works by passing a mixture through a medium where different substances move at different rates. This allows scientists to isolate and analyze specific compounds within the mixture. There are various types of chromatography, including gas chromatography and liquid chromatography. Each type uses different methods and materials to achieve separation. This technique is widely used in fields such as chemistry, biology, and environmental science for tasks like purifying substances and analyzing complex mixtures.