What is the principle that allows us to use mass spectrometry to determine the molecular weight of a compound?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mass spectrometry determines the molecular weight of a compound based on the principle that a beam of cations is deflected by a magnetic field, and the degree of deflection is inversely proportional to the mass-to-charge ratio of the ions. Higher molecular weight cations, assuming a similar charge, are deflected less by the magnetic field, allowing for the determination of their mass.

What Is the Principle That Allows Us to Use Mass