linear range - extension of the calibration plot (usually expressed in decades of concentration) within which the detector response is clearly linear.

See also linear dynamic range.

linear velocity (u) - the velocity of the mobile phase moving through the column. Expressed in cm/s. Related to flow rate by the cross-sectional area of the column. Sometimes expressed as v.

liquid-liquid chromatography (LLC) - same as partition chromatography. The earliest form of HPLC.

liquid-solid chromatography (LSC) - same as adsorption chromatography.

longitudinal diffusion - same as molecular diffusion term/ B-term in van Deemter equation.

See analyte diffusion.