Stages of a Mass Spectrometer (detailed)

Uses of the mass spectrometer:-

  1) Identifies different isotopes of an atom of an element.

2) Gives relative abundance of an isotope.

3) Gives relative atomic mass of the element.

Method - VIADD:-

1) Vapourisation - M(s) ---> M(g)

2) Ionisation - Using an electron gun. Fast-moving, high energy electrons bombard the gaseous atoms.           M(g) + e- ----> M+(g) + e- + e-

NB - sometimes…