Final answer:
The time taken for a component to flow through a column in gas chromatography and reach the detector is known as its retention time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The time taken for a component to flow through the column in gas chromatography and reach the detector is called its retention time. This is the elapsed time from the moment the sample is injected until the peak representing that component appears on the chromatogram.
Understanding retention time is crucial for performing qualitative or quantitative analyses, as it helps distinguish between different components based on how long they interact with the stationary phase relative to the mobile phase. A well-done separation will reflect in sharp peaks and precise retention times, leading to highly efficient analyses.