in gas chromotography your using the principle of solubility. different substances will dissolve to differing amounts as the gas travels over the liquid. by analysing the liquid afterwards and comparing it to known information about the solubility of certain substances, they can quantitively determine wat was in the sample. im just writing what i rmber but i tihnk was was in the conc chem book.
AAS involves elements absorbing only a specific wavelength of light. im not sure if this is a physical or chem property.