Why is thin layer chromatography performed on a flat plate?

Points on why thin layer chromatography performed on a flat plate:

• Thin layer chromatography is performed on an open, flat plate rather than inside a column, making separation occur directly on a planar adsorbent surface in the presence of a solvent.
• The adsorbent layer is spread as a thin, continuous coating on a rigid plate, leaving the separation surface fully exposed rather than enclosed.
• Because the surface is planar and unconfined, components migrate laterally across the plate instead of moving through a packed interior space.

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