Which of the following is a common application of gas chromatography?

Gas chromatography is a powerful analytical technique primarily used for separating and analyzing compounds that can vaporize without decomposition. This method is particularly effective for volatile substances, which are often found in complex mixtures. During the gas chromatography process, a sample is vaporized and then carried by a gas (the mobile phase) through a column that is coated with a stationary phase. As the components of the mixture pass through the column, they interact differently with the stationary phase, leading to separation based on their distinct chemical properties.

In practical terms, this means that gas chromatography is widely used in various industries, including the environmental sector for analyzing air and water samples, and in the food and beverage industry for assessing flavor compounds and food additives. Because it excels at separating volatile components, it allows for precise identification and quantification of these substances, making it a valuable tool for quality control and compliance testing.

The other options pertain to techniques that do not align with the fundamental capabilities of gas chromatography. Measuring turbidity in water typically involves optical methods rather than gas-based separation. Determining the concentration of dissolved minerals often requires methods like ion chromatography or atomic absorption, which are designed for analyzing non-volatile, ionic substances. Analyzing sample temperatures is generally achieved with precision thermometers or