Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. It helps identify the composition of a sample by converting it into ions and then sorting these ions based on their mass. This process involves three main steps: ionization, where the sample is turned into ions; acceleration, where the ions are sped up; and detection, where the ions are counted and analyzed. This technique is widely used in various fields, including chemistry, biochemistry, and forensic science. It can analyze complex mixtures, identify unknown compounds, and determine molecular structures, making it a valuable tool for researchers and scientists.