Mass Spectrometry
Analyze mass spectra to determine isotopic composition and calculate average atomic mass. Visualize how mass spectrometry ionizes atoms, separates ions by mass-to-charge ratio (m/z), and detects relative abundances. Practice interpreting mass spectrum peaks to identify isotopes, calculate weighted average atomic mass using (mass × abundance) for each isotope, and understand applications in identifying unknown compounds and determining molecular formulas.
MASS SPECTROMETRY
Technique for measuring the mass and relative abundance of isotopes in a sample.
CORE FORMULAS
Atomic Mass
AP EXAM CONNECTION
Unit: Unit 1: Atomic Structure
Learning Objective: SPQ-1.B
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
- Thinking mass spectrometer measures charge.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Provides experimental evidence for isotopes.
