What is chromatography commonly used for in forensic science?

Chromatography is commonly used in forensic science primarily for separating chemical mixtures. This technique allows forensic analysts to break down complex mixtures into their individual components, which can then be analyzed further. It is particularly valuable in analyzing substances found at crime scenes, such as drugs, dyes, or chemical residues, where understanding the specific components of a mixture can provide crucial evidence.

The separating capability of chromatography makes it an essential tool in various applications, including toxicology, drug analysis, and identifying inks in questioned documents. By using different types of chromatography methods, such as gas chromatography or liquid chromatography, forensic experts can achieve high-resolution separations and identify materials based on their unique chemical properties.

This focus on separation distinguishes chromatography from other processes mentioned, such as concentrating solutions, which relates more to altering the concentration of a substance rather than identifying its individual components, or creating chemical compounds, which is not a function of chromatography. Similarly, measuring weight pertains to physical measurement rather than the analytical separation of substances.