Mass Spectronum

what is a isotope

atoms of the same element and protons but with a different number of neutrons

Cu65 and Cu63 react the

same due to the same electron configuration

What is a time of flight TOF mass spectrometer used for

it is used to determine the relative masses of isotopes and abudance of isotopes

Stages of mass spectrometer

sample is put into the chamber, ionisation, cations pass and acceleerate thru the negative plate, drift down to dectector, reach detetcor where they gain E, and the amount of time it takes them to drift down to detector is used to determine mass of isotope and the size of current produced.

ionisation stage

sample atoms converted into cation/positive ions — this allows them to be accelerated and detected

How are the ions accelerated in a TOF

bc cations are attracted to a negative charged plate.

How much ke will each ions have

all ions w the same charge gain the same kinetic energy

how do ions drift down the chamber?

ions move at diff velecoties —- lighter ions are faster, heavier slower. the diff in drift times are used to calculate mass of each isotope

how is abundance measured

when ions reach detector, they gain electrons and current flows. an larger current = MORE abundant isotope, and Smaller curent is a less abundant isotope

wby is the interior of a mass spectrometer kept in a vacuum

to prevent ions from colliding w air molecules, which could alter their path or speed.