Principles of Mass Spec (6)

Question 1

What is mass spetrometery?

Answer 1

The identification of molecules by determination of their molecular weight

Question 2

What are the capabilities of mass spectrometery?

Answer 2

Qualitative and quantitative composition or organic and inorganic analyses in complex mixtures; structures of wide variety of complex species; isotopic ratios of atoms in samples; structure and composition of solid surfaces

Question 3

How is a mass spectrum obtained?

Answer 3

1. Molecule to gas phase
2. Ionize
3. Ions separated and detected

Question 4

What are the unique aspects of mass spectrometry as opposed to other types of spectroscopy?

Answer 4

Does not look at spectrum of photon energies, but mass/charge ratio; must be done in high vacuum environment; discriminates among molecular and atomic isotopes

Question 5

What units are used in Mass Spectrometry?

Answer 5

atomic mass unit (amu) also called daltons