Topic 1.1.2 - Mass spectrometry Flashcards
1
Q
What is relative atomic mass?
A
The mean mass of an atom of an element relative to 1/12 of the mass of carbon 12.
2
Q
Relative isotopic mass?
A
The mean mass of an atom of an isotope relative to 1/12 of the mass of an atom of carbon 12.
3
Q
What does a mass spectrometer do?
A
Measures the masses of atoms and molecules.
It produces positive ions that are deflected by a magnetic field according to their mass to charge ratio.
4
Q
Why does a mass spectrum of chlorine have peaks at 35 and 37?
A
These are chlorine’s 2 isotopic masses
5
Q
Why does the mass spectrum of chlorine have peaks at 70,72 and 74.
A
3 different combinations of isotopes added together.
As it’s a diatomic molecule
