When vaporised, isotopes of an element can be separated in a mass spectrometer. Name the three processes that occur in a mass spectrometer before the vaporised isotopes can be detected. State how each process is achieved. (6 marks)

Once the sample is vaporised, high energy electrons are fired at the sample which knocks off a loosely held electron. (1) This step is known as election impact ionisation. (2) Due to the presence of a charge, the ions can be accelerated (3) by an electric field. (4). Once the ions enter the flight tube, they are deflected (5) by a magnetic field (6).

MF
Answered by Madalina F. Chemistry tutor

4834 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

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


Predict the relative boiling points of propanal, butane and prop-2-en-1-ol from the highest to the lowest boiling point


How does a change in temperature affect the Kc value when the forward reaction is exothermic?


How to balance equations?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning