Mass Spectrometer
Used to determine
- the relative isotopic masses and abundance of isotopes
- the relative molecular mass (Mr) and abundance of the organic compound
Principles of the mass spectrometer
- Apparatus enclosed in total vacuum, so that there are no colisions between the sample being investigated and the atmospheric air or the residue from previous samples.
- Vacuum pump is to reduce pressure so less thermal energy is needed to vaporise the sample. The pump is to remove any traces of the previous sample traces of the air.