Final answer:
Different compounds have distinct boiling points due to variations in intermolecular forces, primarily affected by polarity and molecular size in the case of nonpolar compounds with only London dispersion forces.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is focused on why different compounds move up to different heights in certain chemical analysis techniques, such as chromatography. The primary reason for this is due to the varying boiling points of compounds, which are determined by the strength of the intermolecular forces present in these compounds. Polarity plays a crucial role in determining these forces. The molar mass of compounds can be similar, but the differences in polarity result in differing strengths of dipole-dipole interactions and therefore distinct boiling points. For nonpolar compounds, London dispersion forces, which increase with molecular size, affect boiling points.