Uses of the mass spectrometer Flashcards
1
Q
What is mass to charge ratio?
A
m/z
what determines how fast an ion travels
relative mass divided by its charge
ions with the same m/z cannot be distinguished
2
Q
What is the equation to find average relative atomic mass?
A
sum of relative abundances
3
Q
What are the peaks called on a mass spectrum?
A
tallest peak is the base peak
other peaks are caused by fragments or isotopes
4
Q
What is the equation to find the atomic mass?
A
mean mass of an element
————————————- x 12
mass of one atom of 12C
5
Q
How is abundance determined?
A
size of current flowing or amount of electrons gained in the detector
6
Q
A small peak was detected at m/z = 64 (mr = 128) what caused this?
A
formation of a 2+ ion
more energy needed to remove the second electron
statistically less likely
