Gas chromatograph columns (GC columns) are tubes through which solutes being measured pass at a rate primarily determined by their physical properties and the temperature and composition of the column. The speed at which solutes move through the column can be weighed against a number of variables to determine its specific properties.  As each solute elutes from the column, it enters a heated detector. An electronic signal is generated upon interaction of the solute with the detector. This signal is recorded and plotted.