Definition

Noun: A scientific instrument used to determine the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. It works by ionizing chemical compounds to generate charged molecules or molecule fragments, then separating and measuring those ions based on their motion in electric or magnetic fields. The results are presented as a mass spectrum.

Usage

The term "mass spectrometer" refers to the physical instrument itself. It is a countable noun. * The laboratory purchased a new mass spectrometer for its research. * The sample was analyzed using a mass spectrometer.

Examples

• The chemist used a mass spectrometer to identify the unknown compound.
• Modern mass spectrometers can detect incredibly small amounts of a substance.
• Operation of the mass spectrometer requires specialized training.

Advanced Usage

• Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS): A technique where multiple mass spectrometers are coupled in sequence to perform detailed structural analysis.
  • Tandem mass spectrometry was used to sequence the peptide.
• Hyphenated techniques: When a mass spectrometer is coupled with a separation instrument like a gas chromatograph (GC-MS) or liquid chromatograph (LC-MS).
  • The GC-MS system, combining a gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometer, is essential for forensic analysis.

Variants and Related Words

• Mass spectrometry (n): The analytical technique or field of study that uses mass spectrometers.
  • Mass spectrometry is a powerful tool in proteomics.
• Mass spectrometric (adj): Relating to or performed by a mass spectrometer.
  • The mass spectrometric data confirmed the hypothesis.
• Mass spectrometrist (n): A scientist who specializes in operating mass spectrometers and interpreting the data.

Synonyms

• Mass spectrograph: An older, related term for an instrument that records a mass spectrum on a photographic plate.
• MS instrument: A common abbreviation used in scientific contexts.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Time-of-flight mass spectrometer: A type of mass spectrometer that separates ions by measuring the time they take to travel a fixed distance.
• Quadrupole mass spectrometer: A common type that uses oscillating electric fields to filter ions.
• Mass spectrometer inlet: The component through which a sample is introduced into the instrument.

Noun

1. spectroscope for obtaining a mass spectrum by deflecting ions into a thin slit and measuring the ion current with an electrometer