What is the basic principle of mass spectrometry?

The fundamental principle of mass spectrometry is to create ions from either organic or inorganic compounds. This can be done through various types of methods such as thermal ionization, electric fields, or by impacting with electrons, ions, or photons. After the ions are separated from the compound, they are separated again by their mass-to-charge ratio(m/z). The reason for this second separation is to measure the ions theoretically and quantitatively by their m/z and abundance.

The ions in use can either be single, in clusters, molecules, or fragments. It is noteworthy to add that ions separated by their m/z can be affected in field-free regions as well, if the ions have stable kinetic energy. This principle dates back to 1968, however, it is still scientifically accepted as of today.