The document outlines mass spectrometry as a destructive analytical technique essential for determining the molecular weight and structure of unknown compounds, often coupled with other techniques like gas chromatography (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography (LC-MS). It details components of mass spectrometers, including ion sources, mass analyzers, and detectors, alongside the ionization processes such as electron impact and chemical ionization. The document also highlights various applications of GC-MS across industries including petroleum, food, and plastics for qualitative and quantitative analysis.