Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The base peak is the most intense peak in a mass spectrum, representing the ion that is the most abundantly produced during mass spectrometry. It serves as a reference point with its intensity set at 100% for comparing other peaks in the spectrum.
The process by which atoms or molecules are converted into ions, often by knocking one or more electrons off to give them a positive charge.
Fragmentation: The breaking apart of a molecule into smaller ions and neutral particles during mass spectrometry, contributing to the complexity of the mass spectrum