1. Atoms are ionized and accelerated. Ions of a particular velocity are selected to enter the spectrometer. 2. Ions of different masses follow paths of different radii. B 2r Detector 3. Only ions of a particular mass reach the exit slit and continue to the detector. FIGURE P24.67
If you have a sample of unknown composition, a first step at analysis might be a determination of the masses of the atoms and molecules in the sample. A mass spectrometer to make such an analysis can take various forms, but for many years the best technique was to determine the masses of ionized atoms and molecules in a sample by observing their circular paths in a uniform magnetic field, as illustrated is shown. A sample to be analyzed is vaporized, then singly ionized. The ions are accelerated through an electric field, and ions of a known speed selected. These ions travel into a region of uniform magnetic field, where they follow circular paths. An exit slit allows ions that have followed a particular path to be counted by a detector, producing a record of the masses of the particles in the sample.
In the spectrometer shown, do the ions have positive or negative charge?
A. Positive
B. Negative
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