Mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometry

1. 1

   • Ionisation
     • An electron gun fires high energy electrons at the sample
       • Knocks outer electron out forming a positive ion

2. 2

   • Acceleration
     • Using an electric field

3. 3

   • Deflection
     • Using a magnetic field
     • How much an ion is deflected depends upon its mass to charge ratio
     • By varying the magnetic field ions of different m/z ratios pass through the centre

4. 4

   • Detection
     • Ions reach the detector and generate a small current

5. The mass spectrometer can be used to determine all the isotopes present in the sample of an element

   • Isotopes are atoms with the same number o protons but a different number of neutrons

6. Must be a vaccum