24.

3 Mass Spectrometer Exam Questions (23 marks / 30mins)

Q1.
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.

A mass spectrometer is an instrument for measuring the masses of isotopes. The main
working parts of the instrument are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1

Figure 2 shows the components in more detail. Positive ions are created in the ionizer.
Some of these ions enter the accelerator where they are accelerated by a potential
difference VA. The ions emerge from the accelerator with different speeds and enter the
velocity selector.

The velocity selector contains a region where there is a uniform magnetic field at right
angles to an electric field. This electric field is formed between two parallel plates held at a
potential difference VD. This combination of fields only allows ions of a particular velocity
to enter the mass separator. Here ions of different mass are separated by a uniform
magnetic field. Finally the ions are detected.

Figure 2

(a) Explain what is meant by ionisation.

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(1)
(b) Discuss the energy transfers that take place in the accelerator as the ion passes
through it. Assume the ions are in a perfect vacuum.

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(3)

(c) Figure 3 shows the path taken by an ion that moves through the velocity selector at
a velocity v.

Figure 3

Discuss how the path changes when an ion enters the velocity selector with a
velocity greater than v.

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(3)

(d) Draw, on Figure 3, the path of the ion that is suggested by your answer to part (c).
(1)

(e) Ions created in the ioniser may have the same charge but a different number of
nucleons.

Discuss how the path of an ion in the mass separator is affected when it has more
nucleons.
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(2)

(f) Some ions are created with the same mass but a double charge. The path of the
ions shown in Figure 2 is that of a singly charged ion.

Compare, with justification, the path of a doubly charged ion through the mass
spectrometer with that of a singly charged ion of the same mass.

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(3)
(Total 13 marks)

Q2.
The diagram below shows a diagram of a mass spectrometer.

(a) The magnetic field strength in the velocity selector is 0.14 T and the electric field
strength is 20 000 V m–1.

(i) Define the unit for magnetic flux density, the tesla.

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(2)
 (ii) Show that the velocity selected is independent of the charge on an ion.

(2)

(iii) Show that the velocity selected is about 140 km s–1.

(1)

(b) A sample of nickel is analysed in the spectrometer. The two most abundant isotopes
of nickel are Ni and Ni. Each ion carries a single charge of +1.6 × 10–19 C.

mass of a proton or neutron = 1.7 × 10–27 kg

The Ni ion strikes the photographic plate 0.28 m from the point P at which the ion
beam enters the ion separator.

Calculate:

(i) the magnetic flux density of the field in the ion separator;

(3)

(ii) the separation of the positions where the two isotopes hit the photographic
plate.

(2)
(Total 10 marks)
Mark schemes

Q1.
(a) Ionisation is when an atom / molecule loses (or gains) one (or more) electrons ✔
1

(b) Potential energy of ion is transferred to kinetic energy of ion✔

Power supply transfers energy to the ion✔

Decrease in energy stored in supply = increase in (kinetic) energy stored by the

ion✔
3

(c) electric force is constant✔

magnetic force increases with speed✔

(magnetic force dominates) direction of force predicted by any consistent named

force rule✔
3

(d) Path curves upwards between the plates✔

1

(e) The magnetic force is the same (Bqv) ✔

So r increases / less curvature✔

OR

Bqv = so r = ✔

v, B, q constant so r ∝ m and r increases✔

2

(f) Same path in velocity separator ✔

since Bqv=Eq so v independent of q ✔

In mass selector radius is decreased ✔

since r = so r ∝ ✔
Both correct with one correct justification would get 3 marks
MAX 3
[13]
Q2.
(a) (i) 1 N per A per m
or 1 Wb m–2
or quotes: B = F/IL with terms defined
or induced EMF = ΔBAN/t with terms defined
or a slightly flawed attempt at the definition in
statement form C1

It is the flux density (perpendicular to a wire) that

produces a force of 1N per m on the wire when
the current is 1A
or
B = F/IL and 1 T is flux density when F = 1N; I = 1A
and L = 1 m
or induced EMF = ΔBAN /t and 1 T is the flux change
when emf = 1V for A=1 N =1 and t =1 or similar A1
2

(ii) force on charge due to E field , FE= Eq or Vq/d

and
force due to B field, FB = Bqv
or Eq=Bqv

B1

= Bqv; cancels q and states explicitly v =

or v =

B1
2

(iii) v = 20000/0.14 (seen) or 143 × 103 m s–1 B1

1

(b) (i) Bqv =mv2/r or r = mv/Bq ( allow e instead of q)

mass of ion = 1.7 × 10–27 × 58 (may be in equation)
or (9.86 × 10–26 kg seen) C1

or
radius = 0.14 m (may be in equation) C1

Substitutes and arrives at 0.62 to 0.63 T

A1
3

(ii) Calculates new radius (0.145 m) or diameter (0.288 m)

using r m or otherwise allowing ecf

C1

0.010 m (condone 0.01 m) or 0.0096 – 0.0097 m

(Allow 0.0079 m or 0.008 m due to use of different
sfs for B and v )

A1
2
[10]
Examiner reports

Q2.
(a) (i) Only a small proportion of the candidates was able to provide a
correct definition of the telsa. Most gave another form of the unit Wb
m–2 or less commonly N A–1 m–1.

(ii) It would have been useful to see some words to support the algebraic
argument but this was very rare. Responses were usually a number
of formulae with cancellations (including some irrelevant formulae
amongst the relevant ones in the poorest answers). In view of the
poor explanations candidates were at least expected to make v the
subject of the final formula to gain both marks.

(iii) This was often correct but whether the answers were based on an
understanding of the physics or just number crunching was often
difficult to follow. Candidates were given the benefit of the doubt.

(b) (i) Many knew the equation r = mv/Bq or were able to derive it from first
principles. A common error was to use the diameter instead of the
radius so arriving at half the answer. Some did not calculate the
mass of the ion and others used 28 × 1.6 × 10–19 C for the charge on
the ion.

(ii) Many were able to gain credit in this part using the error carried
forward for an incorrect flux density. However, the majority
subtracted the given diameter from their new radius so losing the
second mark.