What does gas chromatography separate?

Gas chromatography is a technique primarily used to separate and analyze compounds in a mixture. It operates by utilizing a carrier gas, which is typically inert, to transport vaporized samples through a column filled with a stationary phase. This process allows for the separation of various chemical components based on their volatility and interaction with the stationary phase.

The correct answer highlights that gas chromatography separates chemical mixtures using a gas carrier, emphasizing the role of the carrier gas in the separation process. Different components will travel through the column at varying rates, depending on their chemical properties, leading to their eventual separation and detection. This method is widely used in various fields, such as forensic science, environmental analysis, and pharmaceuticals, to identify and quantify substances in complex mixtures.

The other options do not accurately describe the capabilities of gas chromatography. It does not exclusively separate solid substances, nor does it specifically separate liquid from solid mixtures, and it does not categorize evidence based on weight. Instead, it focuses on the chemical characteristics and behaviors of the components within a gaseous medium.