What is the function of the magnetic field in a mass spectrometer? A - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1

In a mass spectrometer, the magnetic field plays a crucial role in the analysis of ionized particles. When charged particles pass through a magnetic field, they experience a force that acts perpendicular to both their velocity and the magnetic field direction. This force, known as the Lorentz force, causes the charged particles to deflect along a circular path. The radius of this path is dependent on the mass-to-charge ratio of the particles. By measuring the extent of this deflection, a mass spectrometer can effectively separate ions based on their mass, enabling identification and quantification of substances within a sample.