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Mass Spectrometry
AP Chemistry · Isotopes & Atomic Mass
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Learning Objectives
Calculate the Average Atomic Mass from isotopic abundances.
Interpret Mass Spectra (Peak height = Relative Abundance).
Observe magnetic deflection: Lighter isotopes (lower \(m/z\)) deflect more.
Key Equations
Average Atomic Mass:
\( m_{avg} = \sum (\% \text{Abund} \times m_{\text{iso}}) \)
Instrument Phases
Ionization:
Sample is bombarded with e⁻ to form cations (+1).
Acceleration:
Ions are accelerated by an electric field.
Deflection:
A magnetic field separates ions by Path Radius \( r \propto \frac{m}{z} \).
Detection:
Reads peak abundance.
Tags
mass spectrometry
isotopes
abundance
AP Chemistry
Element Selected
Chlorine (Cl)
Average Atomic Mass
35.45 amu
Select Element Isotope Mix
Chlorine (Cl)
Bromine (Br)
Magnesium (Mg)
Copper (Cu)
Calculation Breakdown