1. What is m/z in Mass Spectroscopy?

The mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) is a physical quantity that is most widely used in mass spectrometry. It represents the ratio of the mass of an ion to its charge.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental equation:

Where:

• \( m/z \) — mass-to-charge ratio
• \( Mass \) — mass of the ion in atomic mass units (amu)
• \( Charge \) — charge number of the ion (integer)

Explanation: The equation shows the direct relationship between an ion's mass and its charge state in mass spectrometry.

3. Importance of m/z Calculation

Details: The m/z ratio is fundamental in mass spectrometry as it determines how ions will be separated in the mass analyzer and detected.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in atomic mass units (amu) and charge as an integer. Both values must be positive numbers (charge ≥ 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical range of m/z values?
A: Typical m/z values range from 50 to 2000 in most mass spectrometry applications, though specialized instruments can measure higher ranges.

Q2: What if my ion has multiple charges?
A: For multiply charged ions, use the total charge (e.g., +2 charge would be entered as 2 in the calculator).

Q3: What units should I use for mass?
A: The calculator uses atomic mass units (amu), also known as Daltons (Da).

Q4: Can this calculator be used for negative ions?
A: While the equation works for negative ions, this calculator only accepts positive charge values for simplicity.

Q5: Why is m/z important in mass spectrometry?
A: The m/z ratio determines how ions will behave in the mass spectrometer's electric and magnetic fields, allowing for separation and identification of different ions.