Discover the Relationship Between Mass and Charge in a Mass Spectrometer

In summary, the mass to charge ratio in a mass spectrometer can be calculated using the formula m/q = (B2r2)/(2\DeltaV). This formula takes into account the force exerted on an ion by a magnetic field, as well as the speed selector and the potential difference between the parallel plates. However, more information is needed, such as the exact configuration of the speed selector, to accurately determine the potential difference term.
  • #1
BecauseICan
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Edit: Sorry I just realized this should be in Introductory Physics. Can a moderator could please move it?

Homework Statement



Show that in a mass spectrometer, the mass to charge ratio, m/q is equal to:

m/q = (B2r2)/(2[tex]\Delta[/tex]V)

Homework Equations



F = qvBsin[tex]\theta[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I started with F = qvBsin[tex]\theta[/tex]

An ion moves in a circular path in a spectrometer, so F = mv2/r

mv2/r = qvBsin[tex]\theta[/tex]

Rearranging and simplifying gets:

m/q = Br/v, and since v = E/B I get m/q = B2r/E

E = V/r and my final result is:

m/q = (B2r2)/[tex]\Delta[/tex]V

So I'm wondering where I lost the 2 in the Potential Difference term. Any help is appreciated.
 
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  • #2
More information should have been given!
v = E/B implies a speed selector, usually a separate section of the apparatus whose B is not the same as the one causing the circular motion.
E = V/r is only true if the speed selector has a pair of parallel plates with separation r = radius of curvature. Very strange! Maybe the plate separation is r/2 or something.
 

FAQ: Discover the Relationship Between Mass and Charge in a Mass Spectrometer

What is a mass spectrometer and how does it work?

A mass spectrometer is a scientific instrument used to measure the mass and relative abundance of particles in a sample. It works by ionizing the particles in the sample and then separating them based on their mass-to-charge ratio.

What is the relationship between mass and charge in a mass spectrometer?

In a mass spectrometer, the particles in the sample are ionized, meaning they gain or lose electrons to become charged. The instrument then uses an electric or magnetic field to separate the particles based on their mass-to-charge ratio. This means that particles with the same mass but different charges will be separated, and particles with different masses but the same charge will also be separated.

Why is it important to understand the relationship between mass and charge in a mass spectrometer?

Understanding the relationship between mass and charge in a mass spectrometer is important because it allows scientists to accurately determine the mass and relative abundance of particles in a sample. This information can be used for a variety of purposes, such as identifying unknown substances, studying the composition of a sample, and monitoring chemical reactions.

What are some real-world applications of the relationship between mass and charge in a mass spectrometer?

Mass spectrometers have a wide range of applications in various fields of science, including chemistry, biology, and forensics. They are used to analyze the composition of substances, identify unknown compounds, study the structure of proteins and other biomolecules, and detect trace amounts of substances in environmental and medical samples.

Are there any limitations to the relationship between mass and charge in a mass spectrometer?

While mass spectrometers are powerful tools for analyzing particles, they do have some limitations. The relationship between mass and charge in a mass spectrometer assumes that all particles have a single charge and that the ionization process is 100% efficient. However, in reality, some particles may have multiple charges or may not be fully ionized, which can affect the accuracy of the results.

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