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Mass Spectra
HL 1.1
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Course Content
Structure 1.2—The nuclear atom
Guiding question: How do the nuclei of atoms differ?
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Review
• How might you separate these atoms?

12 13 14

6C 6 C C
6
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Mass Spectrometry
spec/howitworks.html

‘The operational details of the mass

spectrometer will not be assessed’

• Sample is introduced and vaporized

• Sample is ionized
(typically with electron beam)
• Components are separated according
to their mass to charge ratio (m/z)
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Mass Spectrum
• The output from the mass spectrometer is a mass spectrum
• It shows the mass of the atoms detected and the relative abundance

Relative atomic mass

= 12 x (98.93/100)
+ 13 x (1.07/100
= 12.0107
= 12.01

https://www.webelements.com/carbon/isotopes.html
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Investigation
• Go to www.webelements.com/carbon/isotopes.html to find the spectrum
just shown
• Find the following:
- A main group metal with only one isotope
- A first row transition metal with two or more major isotopes
- A noble gas with at least five isotopes
• Calculate:
- The Ar (relative atomic mass) of silver and of platinum
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Exam Style Questions

• Typically you will be given a mass spectrum to analyse
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Exam Style Questions

• Typically you will be given a mass spectrum to analyse

163 157
Abundance of 79Br = 163/(163+157)
= 0.509

Abundance of 81Br = 157/(163+157)

= 0.491

Ar = 79 x 0.509 + 81 x 0.491
= 79.98
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Practice
• Calculate Ar for boron, gallium and zinc using the printed spectra
• Compare your results against the values in the data booklet
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Homework
• Final two end of topic questions, book p.33