What is Adsorption in Chromatography?

Definition of adsorption in chromatography:

Adsorption in chromatography is the process by which components of a mixture adhere to the surface of a solid stationary phase during separation. Adsorption occurs because different compounds interact with the stationary phase surface with varying strengths. The extent of adsorption controls how long each compound remains attached to the stationary phase before moving onward. Adsorption-based separation depends on surface interactions rather than dissolution of compounds into the stationary material.