Final answer:
C. Mass spectrometry produces spectra that can assist with the identification of sample components for both GC and LC.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement is C. Mass spectrometry produces spectra that can assist with the identification of sample components for both gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC).
Mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to identify unknown substances. It works by ionizing the molecules in a sample and then separating and detecting these ionized molecules based on their mass-to-charge ratio. By analyzing the resulting mass spectra, scientists can determine the composition and structure of the sample components.
For both gas chromatography and liquid chromatography, the mass spectrometer plays a crucial role in identifying the separated components. In gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), the gas chromatograph separates and volatilizes the components, while the mass spectrometer identifies and quantifies these components. Similarly, in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), the liquid chromatograph separates the components, and the mass spectrometer provides their identification.