Mass-to-charge ratio facts for kids

The mass-to-charge ratio is a physical quantity (it is an amount that can be measured). The SI unit is kg/C, which is kilograms divided by the coulomb. Sometimes the charge-to-mass ratio is used instead.

In a vacuum, all particles with the same mass-to-charge ratio move in the same path, when in the same strength of electric and magnetic fields.

It is important for things like mass spectrometry.

Images for kids

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  Beam of electrons moving in a circle in a Teltron tube, due to the presence of a magnetic field. Purple light is emitted along the electron path, due to the electrons colliding with gas molecules in the bulb. The mass-to-charge ratio of the electron can be measured in this apparatus by comparing the radius of the purple circle, the strength of the magnetic field, and the voltage on the electron gun. The mass and charge cannot be separately measured this way—only their ratio.

See also

In Spanish: Relación masa carga para niños