Mass-to-charge ratio (m/z)

The mass-to-charge ratio, often represented as m/z, is an important concept in mass spectrometry, a technique used to analyze the composition of substances. It refers to the ratio of an ion's mass (its weight) to its electric charge. This ratio helps scientists identify and differentiate ions based on their mass and charge, allowing them to determine the molecular structure and composition of compounds. Essentially, m/z helps to understand how heavy an ion is in relation to its electric charge, providing key insights into chemical and biological materials.