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 are the redox reactions involving carbonyls?


What are the different types of intermolecular forces?


Explain, in general, how a catalyst works


The Nucleophilic substitution mechanism: i. give the mechanism for the reaction between bromoethane and sodium hydroxide solution; ii. explain why the reaction mechanism is called nucleophilic substitution mechanism.