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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 molecules, particularly water molecules in various analytical applications.
The calculator uses the mass-to-charge ratio formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio between the mass of a water molecule and its electrical charge, which is essential for mass spectrometry analysis.
Details: The m/z ratio is crucial in mass spectrometry for identifying molecular species, determining molecular weights, and analyzing the composition of water molecules and their isotopes in various scientific and industrial applications.
Tips: Enter the mass of the water molecule in amu and the charge value (unitless). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is the typical mass of a water molecule?
A: The molecular mass of water (H₂O) is approximately 18.015 amu, though this may vary with different isotopes.
Q2: Can water molecules have different charges?
A: Yes, water molecules can be ionized to carry different charges in mass spectrometry experiments, typically +1, +2, or higher depending on the ionization method.
Q3: Why is m/z important in mass spectrometry?
A: The m/z ratio determines how ions will be separated in the mass spectrometer, allowing for precise identification and quantification of molecular species.
Q4: What units are used for m/z?
A: m/z is typically expressed in atomic mass units per unit charge (amu/unitless), though it's often written simply as a dimensionless number in mass spectrometry.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for other molecules besides water?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to any molecular species, though the calculator is specifically designed with water molecules in mind.