Mass
Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry in AQA 3.1.1 explains how atoms and molecules are converted into ions, accelerated, separated by time of flight and detected to produce useful mass spectrum data. These pages cover the simple TOF mass spectrometer, RAM calculations, isotope patterns and the use of mass spectra to identify elements and determine relative molecular mass.
Revision Notes
Work through each Mass Spectrometry page in a structured AQA sequence.
Spectrometer
The Mass Spectrometer
Ionisation, acceleration, ion drift, detection and how each stage produces mass spectrum data.
Start revisingFlight
Time of Flight
How ion velocity, flight time and mass-to-charge ratio are linked in a TOF mass spectrometer.
Start revisingCalculations
RAM Calculations
Using relative isotopic masses and relative abundances to calculate relative atomic mass.
Start revisingSpectra
Predicting Diatomic Mass Spectra
Predicting molecular ion peaks and relative peak heights for diatomic molecules from isotope combinations.
Start revisingCompounds
Identifying Compounds from Mass Spectra
Using molecular ion peaks and accurate mass information to identify unknown elements or compounds.
Start revising3.1.1.2 Mass Number and Isotopes – AQA A Level Chemistry
The following specification points outline the AQA content covered across the Mass Spectrometry pages.
3.1.1.2 Mass number and isotopes
3.1.1.2 Mass Number and Isotopes – AQA A Level Chemistry
The following specification points outline the AQA content covered across the Mass Spectrometry pages.
3.1.1.2 Mass number and isotopes
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