What does a chromatograph utilize as a measurement base?

A chromatograph primarily utilizes electrical current as a measurement base to analyze and separate chemical compounds in a mixture. In chromatography, various components are driven through a stationary phase by a mobile phase, and as they pass through detectors, these detectors generate an electrical signal proportionate to the concentration of the analytes. The resulting electrical current is then measured and recorded, allowing for accurate identification and quantification of the components present in the sample.

This method is fundamental to the functioning of many types of chromatographic techniques, such as gas chromatography and liquid chromatography, where changes in current reflect the presence and amounts of different substances. Understanding the relationship between the sample components and the electrical signals generated is critical for interpreting chromatographic data accurately.