Spectrometry VS Spectroscopy !

Spectroscopy is thetheoretical science, and spectrometry is the practical measurement in the balancing of matter in atomic and molecular levels.

Spectroscopy is the science of studying the interaction between matter and radiated energy. It’s the study of the absorption behaviour of matter, when subjected to electromagnetic radiation. It doesn’t generate any results, it’s simply the theoretical approach to science. On the other hand, spectrometry is the method used to acquire a quantitative measurement of the spectrum.

Mass spectrometry (MS) is an example of a type of spectrometry. It is an analytical technique that measures masses of free ions in high vaccum within a chemical sample and for detrmining the elemental composition and chemical structures of molecules. This is usually done by ionising particles with a shower of electrons, then passing them through a magnetic field to separate them into different stages of deflection. Once the particles are separated, they’re measured by an electron multiplier, and we can identify the makeup of the sample through the weight of each ion’s mass. In order to understand mass spectra, knowledge is necessary on how the ions were created.

Therefore, the course exhibits the key parts of MS technique. It is basically intended for beginners with basic knowledges in analytical chemistry. The course starts with a concise introduction, represents the principles of this technique and most importantely how the ions are created through the most important "fragmentation" called reactions.

A step-by-step explanation is given in order to develop the ability to perform fragmentation of any molecule and analyze any MS spectra. All sessions are reinforced with examples and problems in order to practice the interpretation of MS spectra.