What is gas chromatography?

Gas chromatography (GC) is an analytical technique used to separate and analyze volatile substances in a sample. The sample is vaporized and carried by an inert carrier gas through a column containing a stationary phase. Different components of the sample interact differently with the stationary phase, causing them to elute from the column at different times. These components are then detected as they exit the column, allowing for identification and quantification. GC is commonly used in environmental monitoring, food analysis, and forensic science, and in industrial settings to test the purity of materials.