Why high voltage is used in capillary electrophoresis? - (Jan/14/2007 )

Greetings to all!

I am sorry if this question sounds too basic. i have been trying to find out the answer but not successful. Why such a high voltage, 3kV, is required for capillary electrophoresis?

Is it because the capillary is long, and high voltage is required to "move" the electrons?

Thanks in advance!

wllmch

By analogy with hydraulics - voltage is "pressure". In my basic understanding of CE - yes, you need a lot of pressure to push buffer and sample through long and narrow pipe (ie. capillary).