Silica gel plates are widely used in thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for separating and analyzing chemical mixtures. They serve as the stationary phase, allowing compounds to migrate at different rates based on their polarity. This technique is essential in laboratories for identifying substances, monitoring reactions, and ensuring purity in pharmaceuticals, food, and environmental samples. Silica gel plates are also employed in forensic science to detect and analyze trace substances. Their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and versatility make them a fundamental tool in analytical chemistry.