The basic principle of mass spectrometry (MS) is:
Ions are generated from a sample, separated according to their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z), and detected to identify and measure the molecules.
Step by Step Explanation:
- Ionization:
- The sample is converted into charged particles (ions), usually by losing or gaining electrons.
- Example: A neutral molecule M becomes M⁺.
- Acceleration:
- The ions are accelerated by an electric field, giving them the same kinetic energy.
- Separation:
- Ions are separated based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) using magnetic fields, electric fields, or time-of-flight.
- Light ions move faster or bend more; heavy ions move slower or bend less.
- Detection:
- The detector measures the number of ions and their m/z values.
- This produces a mass spectrum, showing the molecular weights and structure information.
In short:
Mass spectrometry works by converting molecules into ions, separating them by mass-to-charge ratio, and detecting them to analyze their identity and quantity.