Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

Question:  How does a mass spectrograph work to analyze ions, and what 
is the purpose of using it?  What are the practical uses of a mass 
spectrograph?  How does it work?  How does it differentiate one isotope 
of an element from another?  Thanks in advance!
-Bryant Fong

Answer 1:  A mass spectrometer separates ions from one another because 
charged particles experience an angular force as they fly through a 
magnetic field which depends on their charge - to -mass ratio. For a 
given positive charge, the angle of deflection caused by the field will 
be different for molecules / clusters of different masses.  Mass 
spectrometers are used to identify the composition of unknown liquid 
and gas mixtures. For example, a mass spectrometer was used to discover 
C60m, or buckminsterfullerene.
 
I hope this helps Bryan. Have a look in an Encylopedia of Science and 
Technology for more information.
 
topper

Answer 2:
Try also a college level analytical chemistry textbook (Skoog is
excellent).
-Joe Schultz