Massasädeanalyysiä

Massasädeanalyysiä, known in English as mass radius analysis or mass-to-charge ratio analysis, is a technique used in mass spectrometry. It involves the measurement and interpretation of the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of ions. This ratio is a fundamental property of an ion and is determined by the ion's mass and its electric charge. By accurately measuring this value, scientists can identify and quantify different substances within a sample.

The principle behind mass spectrometry, and thus massasädeanalyysiä, is the separation of ions based on their m/z values. When a sample is introduced into a mass spectrometer, it is ionized, meaning it gains or loses electrons, acquiring a charge. These charged particles are then accelerated through an electric or magnetic field. The trajectory of each ion is influenced by this field, with lighter ions or ions with higher charges being deflected more than heavier ions or ions with lower charges. This differential deflection allows for the separation of the ions.

Following separation, the ions are detected, and their relative abundance at each m/z value is recorded, creating a mass spectrum. This spectrum acts as a fingerprint for the sample, enabling the identification of unknown compounds by comparing the observed m/z values and their intensities to known spectral libraries. Furthermore, the quantitative analysis of substances is possible by measuring the peak areas in the mass spectrum, which are proportional to the concentration of the corresponding ions. Massasädeanalyysiä is a versatile tool with applications in diverse fields such as chemistry, biology, medicine, and environmental science.