Mass Spectrometer

About This Experiment

Mass spectrometers separate ions based on their mass-to-charge ratios. Ions are accelerated through a potential difference, then enter a magnetic field where they follow circular paths with radius r = mv/(qB). Lighter isotopes have smaller radii and reach the detector first, allowing precise mass determination.

The velocity selector ensures all ions enter the magnetic field with the same velocity (v = E/B), so separation depends only on mass. This technique is crucial for isotope analysis, molecular identification, and dating archaeological samples using carbon-14.