In mass spectrometry, what does the term 'fragmentation' refer to?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
In mass spectrometry, what does the term 'fragmentation' refer to?
The separation of ions based on mass
The breaking of molecular bonds to form smaller ions
The ionization of molecules
The detection of ions
Fragmentation in mass spectrometry refers to the breaking of molecular bonds to form smaller ions, which helps in identifying the structure of the original molecule.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
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Q
Q: In mass spectrometry, what does the term 'fragmentation' refer to?
Solution: Fragmentation in mass spectrometry refers to the breaking of molecular bonds to form smaller ions, which helps in identifying the structure of the original molecule.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Understand that mass spectrometry is a technique used to analyze molecules.
Step 2: Know that molecules are made up of atoms connected by bonds.
Step 3: Realize that sometimes, these bonds can break when the molecule is analyzed.
Step 4: This breaking of bonds creates smaller pieces called 'fragments'.
Step 5: Each fragment can be measured and analyzed to help identify the original molecule's structure.
