What is analyzed using techniques such as a gas chromatograph to determine composition?

The analysis of substance mixtures using techniques like gas chromatography is a fundamental method in forensic and chemical analysis. Gas chromatography is particularly well-suited for separating and analyzing compounds that can be vaporized without decomposition. This technique enables the determination of the composition of various substances by taking advantage of differences in their physical and chemical properties, allowing for accurate identification and quantitation of individual components within a mixture.

In the context of forensic science, this method is instrumental when examining mixtures such as those found in drugs, environmental samples, or any other composite materials where multiple substances might be present. The ability to analyze these mixtures is crucial in various applications, including crime scene investigations and toxicology, making it a preferred method for understanding complex substances.

While gunpowder residue, human tissue, and inhaled gases can also be analyzed in forensic contexts, they often require different specific techniques or methodologies tailored to their unique properties and substance types. Gunpowder residue might be more effectively analyzed through different techniques like scanning electron microscopy, while human tissue may utilize mass spectrometry for biological analysis. Inhaled gases could also use specific gas analysis methods. Thus, the most encompassing and accurate choice for analyzing composition through gas chromatography is clearly in the realm of substance mixtures.