Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
When collecting data in the full scan mode, a target range of mass fragments is selected and put into the instrument's method.  An example of a typical broad range of mass fragments to monitor would be m/z 50 to m/z 400.  The determination of what range to use is largely set by what one expects being in the sample while being aware of the solvent and other possible interferences.  If an MS looks for mass fragments with a very low m/z, it may detect air or other possible interferring factors.  Using a large scan range decreases the sensitivity of the instrument. The machine will perform fewer scans per second because each scan will take more time to detect a wider range of mass fragments.