Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
A quadrupole mass analyzer is a device used in mass spectrometry to separate ions of different mass-to-charge ratios by using oscillating electrical fields. It consists of four parallel rods, with each opposing rod pair being electrically connected.
A technique that measures masses within a sample by ionizing chemical compounds to generate charged molecules or molecule fragments.
Ionization Source: The part of a mass spectrometer that converts atoms or molecules into ions, typically through electron ionization or chemical ionization.
Mass: to-Charge Ratio (m/z) - A dimensionless quantity that represents the mass of an ion divided by its charge number, crucial for analyzing and identifying substances in mass spectrometry