MASS SPECTROGRAPH Meaning and
Definition
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A mass spectrograph is a scientific instrument used to measure the masses and relative abundances of ions present in a sample. It is a powerful analytical tool in the field of analytical chemistry and physics, providing information on the composition and structure of molecules.
The operation of a mass spectrograph involves several key components. The first is a sample inlet, where the sample is introduced as a gas or vapor. Inside the instrument, the sample is ionized, typically by bombarding it with electrons, causing the formation of positive ions. The ions are then accelerated by an electric field, causing them to move towards a deflection system.
The deflection system plays a crucial role in the mass spectrograph. It consists of an electric field and a magnetic field that interact with the ions, causing their paths to deflect. The amount of deflection experienced by the ions depends on their mass-to-charge ratio. Heavier ions are less deflected than lighter ions, allowing for their separation based on mass.
After the ions are deflected, they hit a detector, which measures their charge as an electric current. This current is proportional to the abundance of ions with specific masses in the sample. By analyzing the current, scientists can determine the mass spectrum of the sample, identifying the different ions present and their relative abundances.
Mass spectrographs are widely used in various scientific fields, including environmental analysis, pharmaceutical research, and forensic science. They offer exceptional sensitivity, accuracy, and precision, enabling the identification and quantification of even trace amounts of substances in complex mixtures.
Common Misspellings for MASS SPECTROGRAPH
- nass spectrograph
- kass spectrograph
- jass spectrograph
- mzss spectrograph
- msss spectrograph
- mwss spectrograph
- mqss spectrograph
- maas spectrograph
- mazs spectrograph
- maxs spectrograph
- mads spectrograph
- maes spectrograph
- maws spectrograph
- masa spectrograph
- masz spectrograph
- masx spectrograph
- masd spectrograph
- mase spectrograph
- masw spectrograph
Etymology of MASS SPECTROGRAPH
The word "mass spectrograph" combines two distinct components: "mass" and "spectrograph".
The term "mass" originates from the Latin word "massa", which means "a lump or mass". It was first used in the late 17th century to refer to the quantity of matter contained in an object. Over time, it evolved to specifically represent the measurement of the quantity of matter in an atomic or molecular scale.
"Spectrograph" is a combination of two words: "spectro" and "graph". "Spectro" is derived from the Latin word "spectre", meaning "to look at" or "to watch". Meanwhile, "graph" comes from the Greek word "grapho", meaning "to write". In combination, "spectrograph" refers to an instrument used for observing or recording spectra—a distribution of electromagnetic radiation or particles with respect to wavelength or mass.
Similar spelling words for MASS SPECTROGRAPH
