The fragments typically produced and analyzed in methods employing mass spectroscopy are typically what?

Mass spectroscopy primarily analyzes ions, which can include cations that result from the loss of an electron or from the attachment of a proton to the original molecule. This is a fundamental concept in mass spectrometry because the technique relies on the detection of charged particles. When a molecule is ionized—through methods like electron impact or chemical ionization—the process often produces positively charged ions (cations) that are then accelerated through an electric field.

These cations can then be separated based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) in the mass analyzer, allowing for the determination of the molecule's mass and structure. Therefore, option B accurately describes the type of fragments that mass spectrometry typically analyzes, emphasizing the significance of cation formation in ionization processes.

The other options either describe species not typically analyzed in mass spectrometry (like neutral ones) or incorrectly detail the ionization processes involved. Understanding these principles is key for interpreting the data produced in mass spectrometry and highlights the focus on cation generation in this analytical method.