Mass spectrometry is an instrumental method of obtaining structure and mass information about either molecules or atoms by generating ionized particles and then accelerating them in a curved path through a magnetic field. Heavier particles are more difficult for the magnetic field to deflect around the curve, and thus travel in a straighter path than lighter particles. Consequently, by the time the particles reach the detector, a mixture of ions will have separated into groups by mass (or more specifically the mass-to-charge ratio of the individually weighted ions). The ions are produced from neutral molecules and atoms by stressing them with some form of energy to knock off electrons. In the case of molecules, fragmentation as well as ionization usually occurs. Each type of molecule breaks up in a characteristic manner, so a skilled observer can interpret a mass spectrum much like an archaeologist can reconstruct...