In mass spectrometry coupled with chromatography, which statement is true?

In mass spectrometry coupled with chromatography, which statement is true?

• A. Mass spectrometry can be used with both gas chromatography and liquid chromatography
• B. Mass spectrometry can only be used with gas chromatography
• C. Mass spectrometry cannot be used with liquid chromatography
• D. Mass spectrometry does not require ionization

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that mass spectrometry needs charged particles to measure mass, and it can be paired with chromatography to separate mixture components before analysis. This combination works with both gas chromatography and liquid chromatography. In GC-MS, the analyte is volatilized and ionized as it exits the GC column, while in LC-MS the liquid effluent is ionized (commonly by electrospray or APCI) before entering the mass analyzer. Because ionization is essential for detecting and determining masses, the claim that ionization is not required is incorrect. Hence, mass spectrometry can be used with both GC and LC, making this statement true.

The main idea is that mass spectrometry needs charged particles to measure mass, and it can be paired with chromatography to separate mixture components before analysis. This combination works with both gas chromatography and liquid chromatography. In GC-MS, the analyte is volatilized and ionized as it exits the GC column, while in LC-MS the liquid effluent is ionized (commonly by electrospray or APCI) before entering the mass analyzer. Because ionization is essential for detecting and determining masses, the claim that ionization is not required is incorrect. Hence, mass spectrometry can be used with both GC and LC, making this statement true.