Stages of a Mass Spectrometer

http://www.chemguide.co.uk/analysis/masspec/howitworks.html This link goes to a website that is more detailed.

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1) Vapourisation
Changing a solid or liquid to a gaseous state if need be.
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2) Ionisation
The atom is ionised by removing electrons to give a positive ion - for all atoms. This is because mass spectrometers only work with positive ions.
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3) Acceleration
Ions are accelerated to give the same kinetic energy.
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4) Deflection
Ions are then deflected by a magnetic field according to mass. E.g. Lighter equals greater deflection.
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5) Detection
Ions are then detected electrically by a machine.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

The atom is ionised by removing electrons to give a positive ion - for all atoms. This is because mass spectrometers only work with positive ions.

Back

2) Ionisation

Card 3

Front

Ions are accelerated to give the same kinetic energy.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Ions are then deflected by a magnetic field according to mass. E.g. Lighter equals greater deflection.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Ions are then detected electrically by a machine.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5

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