How does a mass spectrometer work?

Mass spec is used alongside many analytical techniques, and provides information of the structural formula of a molecule such as proteins. Initially the sample is vapourised and then ionised by bombarding it with high energy electrons that essentially remove an electron off your sample forming a net +1 charge.This part can also cause fragmentation of the molecule.
Following the ions are then accelerated through an electric field and deflected (depending on their mass), by a magnetic field informer to reach. detector where their mass/charge ratio is given and plotted as a graph against intensity.

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does pH relate to pKa?


For the equilibrium reaction PCl5(g) (equilibrium arrow)-> PCl3(g) + Cl2(g) explain the effect of increasing the concentration of Chlorine gas using the equilibrium constant.


Why is the melting point of saturated carbon chains greater than unsaturated carbon chains?


Draw the reaction mechanism for the formation of ethanol from bromoethane and water and name the mechanism.