Mass Spectometer Flashcards
Acceleration
An electric field accelerates the positive ions to a high speed
Deflection
A magnetic field deflects the ions according to their mass/charge ratio (heavier deflected less)
Detection
Ions with the correct mass/charge ratio pass through a skit and are detected by an electrometer. Signal is then amplified and recorded
Why is a vacuum required?
To prevent collision with air molecules
Uses of mass spectrometry
Identifying unknown compounds
Identifying trace compounds in forensic science
Analysing molecules in space
Why are chlorine atoms present in the mass spectrum?
Molecular ions Cl2 come apart giving ions
What is the ratio of peaks in the molecular ion region Cl2+?
9:6:1
What is the ratio of peaks in the atomic region Cl+?
3:1
Ionisation
Gaseous sample is bombarded with high energy electors to form positive ions
