Final answer:
A negatively charged plate is not a feature of mass spectrometry, which uses magnetic fields to determine mass-to-charge ratios of particles based on their curved paths.
Step-by-step explanation:
The feature that is NOT a characteristic of analysis with mass spectrometry is 'E: a negatively charged plate.' Mass spectrometry primarily utilizes magnetic fields to separate charged particles based on their mass-to-charge ratios. As the charged particles move through the magnetic field, they follow curved paths. This curvature is due to the Lorentz force acting on the particles and is used to measure the mass of the particles. Typically, mass spectrometers do not use a negatively charged plate as part of the separation process.
In summary, the core components of a mass spectrometer include an ion source that charges particles, a magnetic field to deflect the path of these ions, and a detector for measuring the deflection. The analysis in mass spectrometry involves evaluating the extent of deflection which correlates with the mass-to-charge ratio, not the use of negatively charged plates.