Introduction

Mass Spectrometry is a technique to determine extremely accurate mass of molecules. Accurate mass is useful in a variety of different fields in science and medicine; however as I am a biochemistry student, I will focus mainly on the applications of mass spectrometry in biologically relevant situations.

One important note is that mass spec is not atomic physics. While atomic theory does play a role in mass spec, and some techniques involve the degradation of molecules, mass spec in the context of this web page is not atom smashing. The mass spec techniques discussed here are not used for the creation or detection of quarks, bosons, or other subatomic particles.

The aim of this web page is to deliver an introduction to mass spectrometry for the beginner and/or nonspecialist. The text of this page should be approachable, legible, and meaningful; though by no means authoritative.