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 can there be both molecular and non-molecular solids?
Pure water has a boiling point of 100 °C and a freezing point of 0 °C. What is the boiling point and freezing point of a sample of aqueous sodium chloride?
Why do transition metals form coloured solutions?
What is the electronic configuration of Chlorine and of a chloride ion and explain why Chlorine is 'happiest' as a chloride ion.