2.

2 The Mass Spectrometer

Syllabus Statements:
2.2.1 Describe and explain the operation of a mass spectrometer
2.2.2 Describe how the mass spectrometer may be used to determine relative
atomic mass using the Carbon-12 scale
2.2.3 Calculate non integer relative atomic masses and abundance of isotopes
from given data

2.2.1 Describe and explain the operation of a mass spectrometer

What is a mass spectrometer used for?

A mass spectrometer can be used to determine the structure and molecular
formula of a compound. It can also be used to determine the percentage of a
particular isotope present within a sample
(http://www.ehow.com/facts_5907356_purpose-mass-spectrometer_.html)
It is important for a low pressure to be maintained in a mass spectrometer to
prevent collisions and to avoid false readings due to presence of other particles
Vaporization A vaporized sample is injected into
the instrument (unless it is already a gas) allowing
the individual atoms of the element to be
analysed. A sample must be a vapour so that
electrons can be removed to make ions
Ionization The physical process of converting an
atom or molecule into an ion by changing the
difference between the number of protons and
electrons. The sample is bombarded with electrons
so electrons are removed, forming positive ions.
None of the further steps in mass spectrometry are
possible with an uncharged particle
*Mass spectrometers ALWAYS use positive
Ions
Acceleration The positive ions are attracted to
negatively charged plates. They are accelerated by
an electric field and pass through a hole in the
Deflection The accelerated positive ions are deflected by a magnetic field. The
amount of deflection is proportional to the charge/ mass ratio. Ions that weigh
less (smaller masses) are deflected more than those that weigh more (larger
masses). Ions with higher positive charges are deflected more as they interact
more effectively with the magnetic field. The amount of deflection also depends
on velocity (speed of the ion).
Detection Positive ions of a particular mass/ charge ratio are detected and a
signal is sent to a recorder. The strength of the signal is a measure of the number
of ions with that particular charge/ mass ration that are detected.
Vacuum pump Ensures that there are no non-sample ions in the machine and,
along with the electric field, helps to accelerate the ions towards the detector
Greater m/z value/ less charged ions need stronger magnetic fields to
deflect them
m/z = Mass-to-charge ratio (Same as the molar mass)
Relative Atomic Mass The average mass of an atom of an element taking
into account all of its isotopes and compared to Carbon 12.

2.2.2 Describe how the mass spectrometer may be used to determine

relative atomic mass using the Carbon-12 scale
The mass of individual atoms is extremely small so it makes more sense to
measure the mass of all elements relative to a very abundant atom, carbon-12.
This is why we call the mass relative atomic mass.
2.2.3 Calculate non integer relative atomic masses and abundance of
isotopes from given data
Relative atomic mass (RAM) = (Isotope 1: Abundance x mass) +
(Isotope 2: Abundance x mass)
100

Example 1: Calculate Mr (RAM) for the element below and determine the element
being tested
RAM = (75 x 35) + (25 x 37)
100
RAM = 35.5 gmol-1

Therefore the element being tested is chlorine

Example 2: Find the abundance of carbon-12 and carbon-13

Carbon RAM = 12.01
12.01 = (n x 12) + ((100-n) x13)
100
1201 = 12n + 1300 13n
N = 99
Abundance Carbon-12 = 99%
Abundance Carbon-13 = 1%