Atomic Strucutre, Isotopes and Electronic Configuration

Question 1

Define relative isotopic mass and relative atomic mass

Answer 1

RIM is the mass of a particular isotope relative to 1/12th the mass of Carbon 12
RAM is the weighted mean mass of all of an atom’s isotopes relative to 1/12th the mass of Carbon 12

Question 2

What are the stages of Mass Spectroscopy

Answer 2

1. Vapourisation, C(s)–>C(g)
2. Ionisation, electrons are fired at sample from an electron gun. The electrons repel and electrons are knocked off the sample, creating 1+ cations.
3. Acceleration, the positive grid repels the ions and the negative grid attracts them. By forcing the ions through small holes, their concentration is increased, and consequently their velocity.
4. Detection, any stream of charged particles experiences a force in an electric field, so they bend around the tube. Larger isotopes experience a lesser acceleration so curve less.

Question 3

Define an orbital

Answer 3

A region around the nucleus that can hold up to two electrons, with opposite spins.