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Instrument Components quiz

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  • What is the first step in mass spectrometry for an unknown sample?
    The first step is vaporization, which converts the sample into a gaseous state regardless of its original phase.
  • What happens to the sample in the ionization chamber during mass spectrometry?
    The sample is bombarded with electrons, causing it to lose an electron and form a radical cation.
  • What is a radical cation in mass spectrometry?
    A radical cation is a positively charged ion with an unpaired electron, formed when the sample loses an electron.
  • What are other names for the radical cation formed in mass spectrometry?
    It is also called the parent ion or molecular ion.
  • How are ions accelerated in mass spectrometry?
    Ions are accelerated using electrical fields because their charge allows them to be influenced by these fields.
  • What is the purpose of electromagnets in mass spectrometry?
    Electromagnets create a magnetic field that deflects charged ions based on their mass-to-charge ratios.
  • What happens to neutral molecules during the deflection step in mass spectrometry?
    Neutral molecules are not deflected and collide with the chamber walls, stopping their progress.
  • How are charged ions detected in mass spectrometry?
    Charged ions are detected by an ion counter, which records their arrival.
  • What information does the mass spectrum provide?
    The mass spectrum displays the most stable charged fragments and helps identify the mass and structure of the unknown compound.
  • What is the base peak in a mass spectrum?
    The base peak is the highest peak in the mass spectrum and represents the most stable fragment.
  • Why is mass spectrometry often used with other spectroscopic techniques?
    It is used with techniques like IR and NMR spectroscopy to provide a more complete analysis of unknown compounds.
  • What is the role of the computer in mass spectrometry?
    The computer generates the mass spectrum from the data collected by the ion counter.
  • What does the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) determine in mass spectrometry?
    The mass-to-charge ratio determines how much an ion is deflected by the magnetic field.
  • What is the overall goal of mass spectrometry?
    The goal is to determine the mass and structure of unknown compounds by analyzing their ionized fragments.
  • What happens to the sample after it is ionized in mass spectrometry?
    After ionization, the sample's ions are accelerated, deflected, and then detected to generate a mass spectrum.