Question

How does a mass spectrometer work?

Answer 1

The ions in the atom have the ability to create spectrum due to their energy changes. Through these spectrums the mass ratios of various ions can be detected through a device called mass spectrometer.

Complete step-by-step answer: The size variations of atomic particles can be determined using a device called mass spectrometer. This mass spectrometer uses the technique of deflection of various ions of the atoms under a magnetic field to determine their masses. They deflect under the magnetic field due to their charges.
Four main processes happen in the working of a mass spectrometer, which are:
-Ionization: under ionization, the atom gets knocked and converted into an ion (mainly positive ions). As this mass spectrometer works for charged particles.
-Acceleration: the ions get accelerated to obtain the same kinetic energies.
-Deflection: deflection is the work of the magnetic field that affects the ions. It tells the mass of ions, as lighter ions are deflected largely than heavier ions.
- Detection: finally the ions that pass through this spectrometer are electrically detected on this device.
The mass spectrometer works in the manner that a sample of the molecule is kept which first goes through ionization to make up in ionic form, as this device works for ions. Then these ions are accelerated into a focused beam of ions. This beam then passes through the magnetic field where the ions are deflected under the influence. The mass and charge on ions affect their deflection, ions which are light and have more positive charge, deflect more, while with heavier ions and less charge deflect less. Finally these deflection readings are detected and amplified which looks like a graph or stick diagram.

Note: The output of a mass spectrometer is in the form of a diagram or graph that shows the relative abundance of various ions in an atom. The height of a particular ion in the diagram shows its abundance. The Higher the height, the more abundant the ion is.