What can the results of chromatography help identify?

The results of chromatography are particularly useful for identifying substances present in a mixture. Chromatography works by separating the components of a mixture based on their different affinities for the mobile phase and the stationary phase. When a mixture is applied to a chromatography medium, the various substances move at different rates, allowing them to be separated from one another.

As the components travel through the medium, they can often be visualized as distinct spots or bands, depending on the specific technique used. By comparing the positions and characteristics of these spots with known standards, one can identify the specific substances that were present in the mixture. This is especially valuable in analytical chemistry, where knowing the composition of a sample is crucial.

Other choices provided may not align with the primary function of chromatography. For instance, while boiling points are important physical properties of substances, chromatography does not directly measure boiling points. Similarly, while chromatography can indicate different forms of pure substances, the technique is mainly tailored for analyzing mixtures rather than pure substances alone. Lastly, while color might be observed during the chromatographic process, it does not provide a comprehensive identification of the substances involved.