Mass Spectrometry Flashcards
what is the function of mass spec
used to find the relative abundance of isotopes through amount of a deflection which reflects mass
what are the 4 steps to a mass spectrometer
ionisation, acceleration, deflection, detection
explain step 1 ionisation
removes one or more electrons to give positive ionic charge because it has to be positive to be deflected
explain step 2 acceleration
ions accelerated so they all have same energy
explain step 3 deflection
electromagnet deflects ions according to mass and charge
how does mass affect deflection
the heavier isotope the less it is deflected
the lighter the isotope the more it is deflected
how does charge affect deflection
the more charge the more it is deflected
the less charge the less it is deflected
explain step 4 detection
proportion of isotopes and their relative deflection is measured and amplified in a computer
