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Question 1:

What is the main purpose of tandem mass spectrometry?

A) Identification of unknown compounds
B) Quantification of known compounds
C) Fragmentation analysis of ions
D) Ion separation based on mass-to-charge ratio

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Explanation: The correct answer is C) Fragmentation analysis of ions. The main purpose of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is to perform fragmentation analysis of ions. In MS/MS, precursor ions of interest are selected and fragmented, and the resulting product ions are analyzed. The fragmentation patterns provide structural information about the analyzed compounds, aiding in their identification and characterization.

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Question 2:

Which tandem mass spectrometry technique involves the selection and fragmentation of ions in a collision cell using inert gas?

A) Triple quadrupole
B) Time-of-flight (TOF)
C) Orbitrap
D) Ion trap

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Explanation: The correct answer is A) Triple quadrupole. In a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, the first quadrupole acts as a filter to select specific precursor ions, which are then directed to the collision cell. In the collision cell, the selected ions are fragmented by collision-induced dissociation (CID) using an inert gas such as argon. The resulting product ions are then analyzed by the third quadrupole, allowing for selective detection of specific fragment ions.

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Question 3:

Which tandem mass spectrometry technique involves the use of two mass analyzers in series?

A) Triple quadrupole
B) Time-of-flight (TOF)
C) Orbitrap
D) Ion trap

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Explanation: The correct answer is A) Triple quadrupole. A triple quadrupole mass spectrometer consists of two quadrupoles in series. The first quadrupole selects and transmits specific precursor ions, which are then subjected to fragmentation in the collision cell. The resulting product ions are then transmitted through the second quadrupole for detection. The use of two mass analyzers in series provides enhanced selectivity and sensitivity in tandem mass spectrometry experiments.

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Question 4:

Which tandem mass spectrometry technique involves the use of a hybrid mass analyzer with both quadrupole and time-of-flight capabilities?

A) Triple quadrupole
B) Quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF)
C) Orbitrap
D) Ion trap

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Explanation: The correct answer is B) Quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF). A quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (Q-TOF) combines the capabilities of both quadrupole and time-of-flight analyzers. It can perform precursor ion selection in the quadrupole and subsequent fragmentation analysis of the selected ions in the collision cell. The resulting fragment ions are then measured with high-resolution time-of-flight detection, allowing for accurate mass determination and structural characterization of the analyzed compounds.

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Question 5:

Which tandem mass spectrometry technique involves the use of a hybrid mass analyzer with both quadrupole and Orbitrap capabilities?

A) Triple quadrupole
B) Quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF)
C) Orbitrap
D) Ion trap

Show Answer

Explanation: The correct answer is B) Quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF). A quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (Q-TOF) combines the capabilities of both quadrupole and time-of-flight analyzers. It can perform precursor ion selection in the quadrupole and subsequent fragmentation analysis of the selected ions in the collision cell. The resulting fragment ions are then measured with high-resolution time-of-flight detection, allowing for accurate mass determination and structural characterization of the analyzed compounds.