Here's why:
* Gas chromatography (GC) separates components of a mixture based on their volatility and interactions with the stationary phase.
* Peak area is directly proportional to the amount of analyte present in the sample.
* Detector response: The detector used in GC produces a signal that is proportional to the concentration of the analyte in the carrier gas.
* Integration: The area under the peak is calculated by integrating the signal over time.
Therefore, by measuring the peak area and comparing it to a calibration curve or standards, you can determine the quantity of the substance in the sample.