A mass spectrometer is used to determine which property of an unknown sample?

A mass spectrometer is used to determine which property of an unknown sample?

• A. Atomic composition
• B. Mass distribution
• C. Temperature
• D. Charge measurement

Answer: (A)

Mass spectrometry is about measuring the masses of ionized particles so you can deduce what atoms are present in a sample. When the sample is ionized and sent through the instrument, you get a spectrum that shows peaks at specific mass-to-charge values. Each peak corresponds to ions with a particular mass, and the pattern (including isotopic peaks and the molecular ion) helps you determine the molecular weight and possible formula. From that information, you can infer which elements make up the sample and in what amounts, giving you the atomic composition. Temperature isn’t determined by this tool, and while the spectrum does show a distribution of masses, the key takeaway is identifying which atoms are present and their quantities.

Mass spectrometry is about measuring the masses of ionized particles so you can deduce what atoms are present in a sample. When the sample is ionized and sent through the instrument, you get a spectrum that shows peaks at specific mass-to-charge values. Each peak corresponds to ions with a particular mass, and the pattern (including isotopic peaks and the molecular ion) helps you determine the molecular weight and possible formula. From that information, you can infer which elements make up the sample and in what amounts, giving you the atomic composition. Temperature isn’t determined by this tool, and while the spectrum does show a distribution of masses, the key takeaway is identifying which atoms are present and their quantities.