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 ▸

Why does phenol react more readily with bromine than benzene?


When going down group 1 on the periodic table, what happens to reactivity?


What is the difference between Covalent and Ionic bonding?


Chlorine, 15 g, is contained in a vessel with a volume of 0.80 dm3 at 330 K. Calculate the pressure exerted when the chlorine is treated as a perfect (ideal) gas giving your answer in terms of kPa