The functional groups of an organic compound is analyzed by a simple mass spectrometer. A methyl group (CH3) of an organic compound has a mass of 15.0 amu, where 1 amu is equal to 1.663 x 10-27 kg. A methyl group particle is ionized with one electronic charge (1.602 x 10-19 C), accelerated, and filtered by a velocity selector, which has a uniform electric field E₁ = 8000. N/C and a uniform magnetic field B₁. Then the particle enters into a region of uniform magnetic field B₂ = 2.00 T and moves in a semi-circle until it lands on the detector 3.00 cm away. Both the magnetic field inside and outside the velocity detector are directed into the page.

The functional groups of an organic compound is analyzed by a simple mass spectrometer. A methyl group (CH3) of an organic compound has a mass of 15.0 amu, where 1 amu is equal to 1.663 x 10-27 kg. A methyl group particle is ionized with one electronic charge (1.602 x 10-19 C), accelerated, and filtered by a velocity selector, which has a uniform electric field E₁ = 8000. N/C and a uniform magnetic field B₁. Then the particle enters into a region of uniform magnetic field B₂ = 2.00 T and moves in a semi-circle until it lands on the detector 3.00 cm away. Both the magnetic field inside and outside the velocity detector are directed into the page.