Mass resolving power

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-006990",
  "term": "Mass resolving power",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The ability of a mass spectrometer to distinguish between two ions with very similar mass-to-charge ratios. It is quantitatively defined by the ratio m/Δm, where m is the nominal mass of the first peak and Δm is the mass difference between the two adjacent, equally intense peaks that are just resolved. A resolving power of 5,000 means the instrument can separate an ion at m/z 5000 from one at m/z 5001.",
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "power"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1978, 50, 65. 'Recommendations for Symbolism and Nomenclature for Mass Spectroscopy' on page 72 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac197850010065)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/mass-resolving-power/"
}