Which technique utilizes mass-to-charge ratio for analysis?

Mass spectrometry is the technique that utilizes the mass-to-charge ratio for analysis. This analytical method measures the mass of ions to provide information about the molecular structure, composition, and other qualities of a sample. In mass spectrometry, ions are generated from the sample and then accelerated into an electric or magnetic field. Their trajectory is influenced by their mass-to-charge ratio, allowing for the separation and identification of the ions based on these characteristics.

This technique is particularly valuable for determining the molecular weights of compounds, detecting trace levels of substances, and characterizing complex mixtures. The ability to assess the mass-to-charge ratio enables researchers to differentiate between ions that have similar masses but different charge states, facilitating comprehensive analyses in fields such as proteomics, metabolomics, and pharmaceuticals.

The other techniques mentioned do not use mass-to-charge ratios for analysis. Potentiometry focuses on measuring the voltage of electrochemical cells, chromatography separates compounds based on their distribution between a stationary phase and a mobile phase, and electrophoresis separates molecules based on their size and charge when an electric field is applied. Each of these techniques serves distinct purposes in the realm of clinical chemistry, but they do not involve the measurement of mass-to-charge ratios like mass spectrometry does.