Atomic Structure Flashcards
What is a cation?
Positive ion; atom that has LOST electrons
What is an anion?
Negative ion; atom that has GAINED an electron
What are the five steps of the mass spectrometer?
Vaporization Ionization Acceleration Deflection Detection
Describe vaporization.
A sample is vaporized and then inserted into the mass spec.
Describe ionization.
Atoms are hit with high-energy electrons to produce positive ions.
Describe acceleration.
Positive ions are attracted to negatively charged plates. They are accelerated by and electric field and passed through a hole in the plate.
Describe deflection.
The accelerated positive ions are then deflected by a magnetic plate. The amount of deflection is proportional to the charge/mass ratio. Ions with smaller masses and higher charges are deflected the most effectively.
Describe detection.
The positive ions then are then detected and a signal is sent to the recorder. The strength of the signal is a measure of the number of ions with that charge and mass ration are detected.
Name the function of the mass spectrometer.
The mass spectrometer can be used to measure the mass of individual atoms.
True or false: All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed.
True
How can electromagnetic waves be distinguished?
Wavelengths
Describe the relationship between frequency and wave length.
The shorter the wavelength, the higher the frequency.
The longer the wavelength, the shorter the frequency.
What happens to an electron when an atom absorbs energy?
Moves to a higher orbital, or higher energy level away from the nucleus. This is known as the excited state.
Describe the relationship between a photon and the frequency of the radiation.
The energy is of the photon is proportional to the frequency of the radiation.
What happens to an electron when an atom releases energy?
The excited state is unstable and the electron will fall back to its ground level. The energy given out as the electron falls is in the form of electromagnetic radiation.
