Electron Impact Ionization

Electron Impact Ionization is a process where high-energy electrons collide with atoms or molecules, knocking out one of their electrons. This collision creates positively charged ions because the atom or molecule is left with fewer electrons than protons. This method is commonly used in mass spectrometry, a technique for analyzing substances by determining their mass and structure. By ionizing the sample, scientists can measure the resulting ions to identify and quantify different components within a mixture, aiding in fields like chemistry and biology.