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 ▸What is nucleophilic substitution and how can I draw a mechanism to show this reaction taking place?
Explain, in the context of catalysis, the term heterogeneous and describe the first stage in the mechanism of this type of catalysis.
What is the difference between a Bronsted Lowry acid and a Lewis Acid?
How does HBr add across a double bond? Predict the regiochemistry when HBr is reacted with 2-methylpropene