Physical: Atomic Structure Flashcards
What is the relative mass of an electron?
1/1840
Why are there no units for relative mass/charge?
It’s because the values are relative to one another, it’s a COMPARISON and the actual values are too small
How should you draw electrons in diagrams?
by using crosses
X
How are electrons arranged?
in energy LEVELS (not shells)
What is the atomic number and its symbol?
the number of protons in the nucleus.
number of protons defines the element
Z
What is mass number and its symbol?
TOTAL number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus
A
What is an ion?
a charged particle formed when an atom gains or loses and electron
What is an isotope?
atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons and have a different number of neutrons
What are the three main physical properties?
boiling point
melting point
density
Do isotopes have similar chemical properties?
yes, because isotopes have the same number of electrons in outer shell
AND have the same electron configuration
Do isotopes have similar physical properties?
No, they have different physical properties because isotopes have different mass numbers (due to diff. number of neutrons).
What is the difference between relative atomic mass and mass number?
rel. atomic mass= MEAN mass of an atom on a scale where an atom of C-12 is exactly 12 (taking isotopes into account) *** can be a decimal number
mass number= number of protons and neutrons ** has to be a full number
What instrument can be used to find the relative proportions of an element?
mass spectrometer
What are the 4 stages (+1 extra) of mass spectrometry?
- ionisation (by either electron impact or electrospray ionisation)
- acceleration
- ion drift
- detection
- data analysis
What is the process of electron impact?
method of ionising elements
- sample is vaporised
- high energy particles are fired from an ELECTRON GUN
- they bombard a sample
- knock one OUTER electron off forming a 1+ ion
What type of ions can electron impact work with?
usually, low Mᵣ ions
What is the formula for electron impact?
X₍g₎——> X⁺₍g₎ + e⁻
What is the con of electron impact?
it can cause fragmentation (breaking the ion)
What is the process of electrospray ionisation?
- sample is dissolved in a volatile solution
- it is injected through a fine hypodermic needle, producing a fine mist
- tip of the needle has a high voltage
- each particle gains a H⁺ (proton) to form a 1+ ion
What type of ions does electrospray ionisation work with?
high Mᵣ ions
this is because they are more likely to fragment so cannot use electron impact method
What is the formula for electrospray ionisation?
X₍g₎ + H⁺ ——–> XH⁺ ₍g₎
always include state symbols
What is the process of acceleration (mass spectrometry)?
- the +ions are accelerated in an ELECTRIC FIELD by a force of attraction by a negatively charged plate
- until they all have CONSTANT kinetic energy (not speed)
Does mass affect velocity of ions in mass spectrometry?
yes,
- heavier ions are slower
- lighter ions are faster
What is ion drift?
- ions enter a FLIGHT TUBE directed towards a director
- length of time to reach the detector depends on the mass/velocity