In Ion Chromatography (IC), what fundamental property of the analytes determines the speed at which they travel through the stationary phase column and separate into distinct bands?

• The differential affinity of each ion for the charged exchange sites on the resin
• The physical size of the ions compared to the pore size of the column filter
• The boiling point of each compound as it passes through the heated column
• The speed of the motorized pump pushing the eluent fluid