chemistry chromatography

chromatography definition: 

a method used to separate solutes, such as ink, depending on how soluble they are in a solvent.

Chromatography is another way of of finding out whether a liquid is a pure substance or a mixture of substances. The solvent carries the solute particles along as it flows over the filter paper. Some solute particles aren't carried as far because they stick to the paper better than others. This means the bands of clour are separated from each other. The result is a chromatogram or 'colour picture'.