Mass Spectrometer Flashcards
What is the mass spectrometer used for?
It is used to separate atoms and molecules according to their masses and show the relative numbers of the different atoms and molecules present
What is step 1 of the mass spectrometer?
The gaseous sample is suppled from the inlet
What is stage 2 of the mass spectrometer?
The sample is bombarded with electrons so that it is ionised to form a positive ion
What is stage 3 of the mass spectrometer?
The mass analyser separates the ions by mass to charge ration ( m /z) and then the ions are deflected in the electromagnet
What is stage 4 of the mass spectrometer?
The defector give an electrical signal which is converted to a spectrum
Are lighter on heavier ions deflected more?
Lighter
What is on the y and X axis on a mass spectrum?
Y axis is the relative abundance
X axis is the m/z ratio
The number of sticks represents..?
The number of isotopes that element has
Which would be the most abundant isotope?
The tallest peak
What are the ions deflected by?
Electromagnetic field
What is a vacuum?
An area with no particles
Why should the mass spectrometer be operated under vacuum?
So that no gas/ partidos interfere and affect the results.
What are diatomic molecules?
Elements and compounds that contain 2 or more covalently bonded together
What is different about their mass spectrum?
They ha ne additional peaks because of the combinations from their isclopes
What are the diatomic elements?
Iodine hydrogen nitrogen fluorine bromine oxygen chlorine
