1.2.5

Mass Spectroscopy - Analysis

Test yourself on Mass Spectroscopy - Analysis

After reading these notes, test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Analysis to Identify Molecules

Once a sample has passed through the mass spectrometer, we can analyze the data to identify the molecule.

Spectrum produced

Spectrum produced

  • When the sample has passed through the mass spectrometer, a spectrum is produced by the spectrometer.
  • On this spectrum:
    • The x-axis is mass/charge ratio.
    • The y-axis is % abundance.
Main peak

Main peak

  • The spectrum produces lots of peaks, but the most important is the molecular ion peak.
    • This is the peak of the greatest mass/charge ratio.
  • This represents the mass/charge value of the molecule we are analyzing.
Isotopes

Isotopes

  • Smaller peaks will cluster around the molecular ion peak.
    • These are from the same molecules but with different isotopes in them.
    • The isotopic molecules have different masses and so different mass/charge ratio values.
  • Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same proton number, but a different neutron number.
    • This means that the atoms have different numbers of neutrons.
Fragmentation

Fragmentation

  • Any smaller and significantly lighter peaks in the spectrum are because of fragmentation.
    • The molecule can fragment in the spectrometer.

Analysis to Calculate

Once we have the mass spectrum, we can calculate the relative atomic mass.

Relative atomic mass

Relative atomic mass

  • Relative atomic mass is the average weighted mass of an atom relative to carbon-12.
  • The key word to look at here is "average".
  • This is because its value is calculated taking into account all of its isotopes and their relative abundances.
Using the spectrum

Using the spectrum

  • We can use the spectrum to view all the different isotopes and their relative abundance.
  • Isotopic mass is along the x-axis.
  • Isotopic abundance is along the y-axis.
Calculation

Calculation

  • We can then calculate the relative atomic mass since we have all of the isotopic masses and their relative abundances.
  • It is easiest to show how to carry out the calculation with an example - see the next slide.
Example - boron

Example - boron

  • This is the mass spectrum of a sample of elemental boron (click to the next slide to see the full image).
  • Boron has two isotopes, 10B and 11B.
  • You can see from the spectrum that approximately 20% of the boron is 10B and 80% is 11B.
  • You can use this to work out the relative atomic mass:
    • 80% × 11 + 20% × 10 = 10.8
Diagram
Jump to other topics
1

Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

1.1

Introduction to the Particulate Model of Matter

1.1.1States of Matter1.1.2Kinetic Molecular Theory1.1.3Simple Sphere1.1.4Changing State1.1.5Forces Between Particles1.1.6Changes of State1.1.7Predicting States1.1.8Changing State HyperLearning1.1.9Ionization Energy
1.2

The Nuclear Atom

1.2.1Fundamental Particles1.2.2Isotopes & Mass Number1.2.3Mass Spectrometry1.2.4Mass Spectrometry1.2.5Mass Spectroscopy - Analysis1.2.6Extended Response - Mass Spectrometry1.2.7Radioactivity
1.3

Electron Configuration

1.3.1Electron Shells, Sub-Shells & Orbitals1.3.2Electron Configuration1.3.3Absorption & Emission Spectra1.3.4IB Multiple Choice - Atomic Structure1.3.5Extended Response - The Atom & Electrons
1.4

Counting Particles by Mass: The Mole

1.4.1Relative Masses1.4.2The Mole1.4.3IB Multiple Choice - Moles
1.5

Ideal Gases

1.5.1Ideal Gas Equation1.5.2Gas Laws1.5.3IB Multiple Choice - Gases & Kinetics
1.6

Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

1.6.1Fundamental Particles1.6.2Pure Substances1.6.3Purity & The Law of Definite Proportion1.6.4Mixtures1.6.5Separating Mixtures1.6.6IB Multiple Choice - Pure Substances1.6.7Extended Response - Moles & Pure Substances
1.7

States of Matter & Changes of State

1.7.1States of Matter1.7.2Particle Diagrams1.7.3IB Multiple Choice - Solids, Liquids, & Gases1.7.4Balancing Equations & Ionic Equations1.7.5Empirical & Molecular Formulas
1.8

Reacting Masses &. Volumes

1.8.1Balancing Equations & Ionic Equations1.8.2Percentage Yield
1.9

Solutions

1.9.1Molarity1.9.2Particulate Model of Solutions
2

Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

2.1

The Ionic Model

2.1.1Ionic Bonding
2.2

The Covalent Model

2.2.1Covalent Bonds2.2.2Complex Ions2.2.3Factors Affecting Covalent Bond Strength2.2.4Polarity
2.3

Covalent Structures

2.3.1Ionic Lewis Structures2.3.2Covalent Lewis Structures2.3.3VSEPR Theory2.3.4Resonance Structures2.3.5Allotropes of Carbon2.3.6Formal Charge2.3.7End of Topic Quiz - Bonding2.3.8IB Multiple Choice - Bonding & Lewis Structures2.3.9IB Multiple Choice - Resonance & Formal Charge
2.4

The Metallic Model

2.4.1Metallic Bonding
2.5

From Models to Materials

2.5.1Alloys2.5.2Properties of Polymers2.5.3Polymerisation Reactions2.5.4Introduction to Alkenes2.5.5Reactions of Alkenes2.5.6End of Topic Quiz - Alkenes
2.6

Valence Electrons & Ionic Compounds

2.6.1Valence Electrons & Forming Ions2.6.2Ionic Compounds2.6.3End of Topic Quiz - Atoms & Ions2.6.4IB Multiple Choice - Valence & Ions
2.7

Molecular Shape

2.7.1VSEPR2.7.2Molecular Shapes2.7.3Bond Hybridization2.7.4IB Multiple Choice - VSEPR & Bond Hybridization2.7.5Extended Response - Bonding & Molecular Shape
2.8

Intermolecular Forces

2.8.1Introduction to Intermolecular Forces2.8.2London Dispersion Forces2.8.3Dipole-Dipole Interactions2.8.4Ion-Dipole Interactions2.8.5Hydrogen Bonding2.8.6Large Biomolecules2.8.7IB Multiple Choice - Intermolecular Forces2.8.8Extended Response - Hydrogen Bonding
3

Structure - Classification of Matter

3.1

The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements

3.1.1The Periodic Table3.1.2Trends in the Periodic Table3.1.3End of Topic Quiz - Periodicity & Trends3.1.4Periodic Trends - Electronegativity & Affinity3.1.5End of Topic Quiz - Periodic Trends3.1.6IB Multiple Choice - Periodic Trends3.1.7Extended Response - Periodic Table
3.2

Periodic Trends

3.2.1Atomic & Ionic Radii3.2.2Ionisation & Electronegativity3.2.3Metallic Behaviour & Oxides3.2.4Period 3 Elements & Oxides3.2.5Period 3 Oxides3.2.6End of Topic Quiz - Period 33.2.7Periodic Trends: Blocks3.2.8Redox Chemistry
3.3

Group 1 Alkali Metals

3.3.1Alkali Metals
3.4

Halogens

3.4.1Introduction to Halogens3.4.2Reactions of Halogens3.4.3Chlorine & Chlorate(I)3.4.4End of Topic Quiz - Group 73.4.5Exam-Style Question - Group 73.4.6End of Topic Quiz - Periodicity, Group 2 & 7
3.5

Noble gases, group 18

3.5.1Noble Gases
3.6

Functional Groups: Classification of Organic

3.6.1Nomenclature3.6.2Trends in Physical Properties3.6.3Saturated & Unsaturated Hydrocarbons3.6.4Nomenclature contd.3.6.5Types of Formulas3.6.6Isomerism3.6.7Formulae3.6.8Homologous Series3.6.9Structural Isomers
3.7

Functional Group Chemistry

3.7.1Degrees of Substitution3.7.2Arenes
3.8

Alkanes

3.8.1Alkanes3.8.2Fractional Distillation3.8.3Cracking3.8.4Combustion3.8.5Chlorination3.8.6End of Topic Quiz - Alkanes
3.9

Alcohols

3.9.1Production of Alcohols3.9.2Oxidation of Alcohols3.9.3Oxidation of Alcohols - 23.9.4Elimination Reactions3.9.5End of Topic Quiz - Alcohols3.9.6Exam-Style Question - Alcohols
3.10

Halogenoalkanes

3.10.1Substitution Reactions3.10.2Elimination Reactions3.10.3Ozone Depletion3.10.4End of Topic Quiz - Halogenoalkanes
4

Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

4.1

Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions

4.1.1Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions4.1.2Energy Diagrams4.1.3Heat Transfer & Thermal Equilibrium4.1.4IB Multiple Choice - Enthalpy & Energy
4.2

Enthalpy of Reaction, Formation, & Hess' Law

4.2.1Enthalpy of Reaction4.2.2Bond Enthalpies4.2.3Enthalpy of Formation4.2.4Hess’ Law4.2.5Thermodynamics & Kinetic Control4.2.6End of Topic Quiz - Thermodynamics4.2.7IB Multiple Choice - Enthalpy4.2.8Extended Response - Enthalpy Change
4.3

Entropy

4.3.1Introduction to Entropy4.3.2Absolute Entropy & Entropy Change4.3.3Free Energy4.3.4Thermodynamically Favorable Reactions4.3.5IB Multiple Choice - Entropy & Free Energy4.3.6Extended Response - Free Energy
5

Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

5.1

Kinetics

5.1.1Collision Theory & Rates of Reaction5.1.2Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution5.1.3Increasing Rates5.1.4End of Topic Quiz - Kinetics
5.2

Rates of Reaction

5.2.1Rate Equations5.2.2Rate Equations 25.2.3The Effect of a Catalyst
5.3

Stoichometry

5.3.1Stoichiometry
5.4

Le Châtelier’s Principle

5.4.1Introduction to Le Châtelier’s Principle5.4.2Reaction Quotient & Le Châtelier’s Principle5.4.3Temperature & Le Châtelier’s Principle5.4.4IB Multiple Choice -Le Châtelier’s Principle5.4.5Extended Response - Le Châtelier
5.5

Introduction to Equilibrium

5.5.1Equilibrium & Equilibrium Graphs5.5.2Dynamic Equilibria5.5.3Reversible Reactions & Directions
5.6

Equilibrium Constant

5.6.1Calculating the Equilibrium Constant5.6.2Magnitude of the Equilibrium Constant5.6.3Properties of the Equilibrium Constant5.6.4Calculating Equilibrium Concentrations5.6.5Representations of Equilibrium5.6.6IB Multiple Choice - Equilibrium Constants5.6.7Extended Response - Calculating Kc
5.7

Reaction Quotient & Equilibrium Constant

5.7.1Reaction Quotient5.7.2Equilibrium Constants5.7.3Partial Pressures5.7.4Kp5.7.5IB Multiple Choice - Reaction Quotient & Kp5.7.6Extended Response - Kp & Bond Enthalpy
6

Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

6.1

Proton Transfer Reactions

6.1.1Brønsted-Lowry Theory
6.2

The pH Scale

6.2.1pH & pOH6.2.2Ionic Product of Water6.2.3Using Kw6.2.4IB Multiple Choice - pH & Kw6.2.5Extended Response - Kw
6.3

Strong & Weak Acids and Bases

6.3.1Strong Acids & Bases6.3.2Weak Acids & Ka6.3.3Weak Bases & Kb6.3.4Weak Acids & Bases Calculation Walkthrough
6.4

Acid Deposition

6.4.1Acid Deposition
6.5

Types of Organic Reactions

6.5.1Electrophilic Substitution
6.6

Oxidation & Reduction

6.6.1Oxidation Number Method6.6.2Winkler Method6.6.3Redox Reactions6.6.4Oxidation States & Equations6.6.5End of Topic Quiz - Redox6.6.6Extended Response - Redox Reactions
6.7

Electrochemical Cells

6.7.1Introduction to Electrochemical Cells6.7.2Galvanic Cells6.7.3Cell Notation6.7.4Electrolytic Cells6.7.5Extended Response - Voltaic Cells & Redox
6.8

Titration

6.8.1Redox Titrations6.8.2Titration Calculations6.8.3Atom Economy
6.9

Acid-Base Titrations

6.9.1Titration Calculation Weak Acid & Strong Base6.9.2Titration Experimental Detail6.9.3Extended Response - Titration6.9.4Titration Calculations6.9.5Titration Curves6.9.6Titration Calculation Strong Acid & Weak Base6.9.7IB Multiple Choice - Titrations6.9.8Polyprotic Acids6.9.9Titration Calculations Strong Acid & Strong Base6.9.10Titrations Curves 2
7

Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

7.1

Uncertainties & Errors in Measurements & Results

7.1.1Qualitative & Quantitative data
7.2

Graphical Techniques

7.2.1Drawing & Interpreting Graphs7.2.2Linear Interpolation
7.3

Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds

7.3.1Understanding NMR7.3.2Carbon-13 NMR7.3.3Hydrogen-1 NMR7.3.4Hydrogen-1 NMR 27.3.5End of Topic Quiz - NMR
7.4

Infrared Spectroscpy

7.4.1Infrared Spectroscopy

Practice questions on Mass Spectroscopy - Analysis

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
    On the spectrum produced by the spectrometer: Fill in the list
  2. 2
    What do clustered small peaks around the molecular ion peak represent?Multiple choice
  3. 3
    Isotopic values on a mass spectrum:Fill in the list
Answer all questions on Mass Spectroscopy - Analysis

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium

Mass Spectrometry

Extended Response - Mass Spectrometry