Silica gel plates are widely used in chromatography for separating and analyzing chemical compounds. They serve as a stationary phase in thin-layer chromatography (TLC), allowing for the separation of mixtures based on polarity and molecular interactions. These plates are essential in laboratories for identifying components in pharmaceuticals, natural products, and chemical reactions. They are also employed in quality control processes to ensure the purity of substances. Additionally, silica gel plates are used in forensic analysis to detect and identify unknown substances in samples. Their versatility and efficiency make them a fundamental tool in analytical chemistry.