Mass Spectrometry
Cambridge examines mass spectrometry in Topic 22 Analytical techniques (isotopic abundance, relative atomic mass and the molecular ion), not in Topic 1.
These pages cover all four parts. The mass spectrometry pages are included because they build on isotopes; the spectra themselves are examined in Topic 22.
Revision Notes
4 revision notes, in the order the specification teaches them.
The Mass Spectrometer
Revise vaporisation, ionisation, acceleration, deflection, detection and why ions are separated by m/z.
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RAM Calculations
Use isotopic mass and percentage abundance data to calculate relative atomic mass using weighted means.
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Predicting Diatomic Mass Spectra
Predict molecular ion peak patterns for diatomic molecules using isotope combinations and probability ratios.
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Identifying Compounds from Mass Spectra
Use the molecular ion peak, the M+1 peak and simple fragment peaks to find the relative molecular mass and identify an unknown compound.
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Download, print and revise the key facts of this topic at a glance.
Summary map
Download, print and revise the key facts of this topic at a glance.
Atomic Structure Map
Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry · Topic 1 Atomic structure
The whole section on one A4 page: the particles, beams in an electric field, isotopes, relative masses, mass spectra and atomic and ionic radii.
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Virtual Lessons
Recorded video lessons that teach the topic step by step.
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MCQ Bank
Multiple-choice papers on this topic, marked the moment you submit.
The MCQ papers for Mass Spectrometry are being written.
SAQ Bank
Written, drawn and worked exam practice on this topic.
The exam practice papers for Mass Spectrometry are being written.
Revision Game
Match reagents to products, with your board's reagents and conditions.
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Study Cards
Pick a deck, then turn each card to check what you remember.
Specification
Every specification point in this topic, in the exam board's own words. Rate how confident you are with each one.
Cambridge no longer issues a data booklet: the data you need are given in each question, and the syllabus has a Data section.
Self-assessment · 8 points
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2.1.1
2.1.2
22.2.1
22.2.2
- a
calculate the relative atomic mass of an element given the relative abundances of its isotopes
- b
calculate the relative atomic mass of an element given its mass spectrum
22.2.3
- 22.2.3
deduce the molecular mass of an organic molecule from the molecular ion peak in a mass spectrum
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