a method of separating and analyzing mixtures of chemicals according to solubility

The method you're referring to is called chromatography. Here are the steps involved:

1. Preparation: A stationary phase is prepared. This could be a solid or a liquid coated on a solid. The mixture to be separated is dissolved in a fluid called the mobile phase, which carries it through the stationary phase.

2. Application of Sample: The mixture is applied onto the stationary phase. This is usually done at one end of the stationary phase.

3. Separation: The mobile phase is then allowed to move through the stationary phase. As it moves, it carries along the components of the mixture. The different components travel at different rates depending on their solubility in the mobile phase and their attraction to the stationary phase.

4. Detection: As the separated components reach the other end of the stationary phase, they can be detected and analyzed. This can be done in various ways depending on the specific type of chromatography being used.

5. Analysis: The results are then analyzed. This usually involves comparing the distance traveled by each component to the distance traveled by the mobile phase. This ratio is called the retention