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 ▸

Define Electronegativity


What is the difference between benzene and cyclohexene?


What is a stereoisomer?


An aldehyde CH3CH2CH2CHO reacts with potassium cyanide (KCN) to form a racemic mixture of two stereoisomers of CH3CH2CH2CH(OH)CN. A)Explain why a racemic mixture is formed and b)describe how you would distinguish between 2 samples of the stereoisomers