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Mass to Charge Ratio Formula:
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The mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) is a physical quantity used in mass spectrometry that represents the ratio of the mass of an ion to its charge. It is a fundamental parameter for identifying and characterizing chemical compounds.
The calculator uses the mass-to-charge ratio formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio of an ion's mass to its electrical charge, which is essential for mass spectrometry analysis and compound identification.
Details: Accurate m/z calculation is crucial for mass spectrometry applications, including proteomics, metabolomics, pharmaceutical analysis, and environmental monitoring. It enables precise identification and quantification of molecular species.
Tips: Enter mass in Daltons (Da) and charge in elementary charge units (e). Both values must be positive numbers (mass > 0, charge > 0).
Q1: What units are used for mass and charge?
A: Mass is typically measured in Daltons (Da) and charge in elementary charge units (e), where 1 e equals the charge of a single proton.
Q2: Why is m/z important in mass spectrometry?
A: m/z is the fundamental measurement in mass spectrometry that allows instruments to separate and identify ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio, enabling compound identification.
Q3: Can m/z be calculated for multiply charged ions?
A: Yes, the formula works for any charge state. For example, a molecule with mass 1000 Da and charge +2 would have m/z = 500 Da/e.
Q4: What is the typical range of m/z values?
A: m/z values can range from single digits for small ions to thousands for large biomolecules, depending on the mass spectrometer's capabilities.
Q5: How does m/z relate to molecular weight?
A: For singly charged ions (z=1), m/z equals the molecular weight. For multiply charged ions, the molecular weight can be calculated as m/z × charge.