Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique for measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, aiding in molecular identification and quantification. It's essential in analytical chemistry, pharmacology, and proteomics, with applications in environmental monitoring, biomedical research, and food safety. The text delves into the fundamentals, workflow, and diverse applications of mass spectrometry, including Time-of-Flight analysis and isotope ratio analysis, providing insights into its critical role across various industries.
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Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions in a sample
Ionization
The first step in mass spectrometry involves ionizing a sample to generate charged particles
Mass Separation
The ions are then separated based on their mass-to-charge ratios in a mass analyzer
Detection
The separated ions are then detected to produce a mass spectrum
Mass spectrometry has a wide range of applications in fields such as environmental science, biomedical research, and food industry
The ion source ionizes the sample using methods such as Electron Ionization or Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization
The mass analyzer separates the ions based on their mass-to-charge ratios using techniques such as Time-of-Flight, Quadrupole, or Ion Trap
The detector measures the intensity of the ions, producing a mass spectrum
Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry is a type of mass spectrometry that distinguishes ions based on their flight time
In TOF MS, the ions are accelerated to a uniform kinetic energy, pass through a flight tube, and are then detected based on their flight time
TOF MS is particularly useful in proteomics and metabolomics research due to its high resolution and mass accuracy
Mass spectrometry is essential for determining the relative atomic mass of elements and their isotopes
Isotope ratio analysis is crucial in disciplines such as geochronology, archaeology, and forensic science
Isotope analysis can provide insights into the provenance, age, and history of materials, as well as contribute to predictive climate models
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Define mass-to-charge ratio (m/z).
m/z is the ratio of an ion's mass to its charge, used to identify/quantify molecules in mass spectrometry.
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Describe ionization in mass spectrometry.
Ionization is the process of converting molecules into charged ions, typically by electron impact or chemical ionization.
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Function of mass analyzer in mass spectrometry.
Mass analyzer separates ions based on m/z ratios, enabling their identification by generating a mass spectrum.
