What is the primary function of a mass spectrometer?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
What is the primary function of a mass spectrometer?
To measure absorbance of light
To separate ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio
To detect electrical conductivity
To analyze pH levels
A mass spectrometer separates ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio, allowing for the identification and quantification of different compounds.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: What is the primary function of a mass spectrometer?
Solution: A mass spectrometer separates ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio, allowing for the identification and quantification of different compounds.
Steps: 5
Step 1: A mass spectrometer is a scientific instrument used to analyze substances.
Step 2: It works by converting the substances into ions (charged particles).
Step 3: These ions are then sorted based on their mass-to-charge ratio (how heavy they are compared to their charge).
Step 4: By separating the ions, the mass spectrometer can identify different compounds present in the sample.
Step 5: It can also measure how much of each compound is in the sample (quantification).
