[plasos]

Hi.

I’ve read through the mass spectrometry process many times but it says in my A level book that “the magnetic field strength is slowly increased.  As this happens different ions (ones with lower mass/charge ratio) can reach the detector”

Surely as you increase the magnetic field strength it would allow molecules with a LARGER mass/charge ratio to reach the detector since they have a higher momentum and require a higher force for deflection.

I’m fairly new to chemistry but feel convinced that the textbook is mistaken 

[Aldebaran]

You should find this link useful: https://www.chemguide.co.uk/analysis/masspec/howitworks.html#top

Also if you are studying UK A-level chemistry I would encourage you to explore the chemguide site. It is pitched at UK A-level and is very extensive in its subject matter. It is also reliable in its information.

[Borek]

Surely as you increase the magnetic field strength it would allow molecules with a LARGER mass/charge ratio to reach the detector since they have a higher momentum and require a higher force for deflection.

Unless I am missing something - you are right.