mass spectrum

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mass spectrum

A scientist analyzes a mass spectrum on a computer screen.

Definition

Noun: A graphical representation or data plot showing the relative abundances of ions (charged particles) as a function of their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z). It is the fundamental output of an analytical instrument called a mass spectrometer, used to identify the amount and type of chemicals present in a sample.

Usage

The term "mass spectrum" is used to describe the specific pattern of peaks produced by a mass spectrometer. Each peak corresponds to ions of a particular mass-to-charge ratio, and its height or area indicates the relative abundance of those ions.

Examples
  • The chemist analyzed the mass spectrum to determine the molecular weight of the unknown compound.
  • A characteristic mass spectrum of the drug was used as a fingerprint for its identification.
  • The mass spectrum showed a strong peak at m/z 78, corresponding to the benzene ion.
Advanced Usage
  • Interpret a mass spectrum: To analyze the pattern of peaks to deduce structural information about molecules.
    • Interpreting the mass spectrum revealed the presence of chlorine atoms due to the isotopic pattern.
  • Obtain/acquire a mass spectrum: The process of running a sample through a mass spectrometer to generate this data.
    • We will acquire a mass spectrum of the purified sample to confirm its identity.
Variants and Related Words
  • Mass Spectrometry (n): The field of science and the technique concerned with separating and analyzing ions based on their mass-to-charge ratios to generate a mass spectrum.
  • Mass Spectrometer (n): The instrument used to perform mass spectrometry and produce a mass spectrum.
  • Mass Spectrograph (n): An older type of instrument that records a mass spectrum on a photographic plate.
Synonyms
  • Mass spectral data: A more general term for the information contained in a mass spectrum.
  • Ion abundance plot: A descriptive synonym emphasizing the graphical nature of the data.
Related Phrases
  • Base peak: The tallest peak in a mass spectrum, assigned a relative abundance of 100%.
  • Molecular ion peak (M⁺): The peak corresponding to the intact, ionized molecule, showing its molecular weight.
  • Fragmentation pattern: The characteristic set of peaks in a mass spectrum resulting from the breakdown of the molecular ion, crucial for structural elucidation.
mass spectrum

A scientist analyzes a mass spectrum on a computer screen.

Noun
  1. a distribution of ions as shown by a mass spectrograph or a mass spectrometer