Chromatography is a technique used to separate and identify components of a mixture. It works by distributing molecules between a stationary and mobile phase. Molecules that spend more time in the mobile phase move faster through the column. There are several types of chromatography classified by mobile phase or separation mechanism, including gas chromatography which uses gases, thin layer chromatography which uses adsorbents on plates, and liquid chromatography which uses liquids. Chromatography is used in various applications such as pharmaceutical analysis, environmental monitoring, and forensic analysis.