(a) Thomson's cathode-ray tube (Figure 2.4) and the mass spectrometer (Figure 2.11) both involve the use of electric or magnetic fields to deflect charged particles. What are the charged particles involved in each of these experiments?

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Identify the charged particles in Thomson's cathode-ray tube experiment. These are electrons, which are negatively charged particles.

Understand that in Thomson's experiment, the cathode rays are streams of electrons emitted from the cathode in a vacuum tube.

Recognize that in a mass spectrometer, the charged particles are ions. These ions can be positively or negatively charged, depending on the type of mass spectrometer and the sample being analyzed.

In a mass spectrometer, ions are generated from the sample and then accelerated through electric and magnetic fields, which separate them based on their mass-to-charge ratio.

Compare the two experiments: Thomson's cathode-ray tube focuses on the deflection of electrons, while the mass spectrometer focuses on the deflection and separation of ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cathode Rays

Cathode rays are streams of electrons emitted from the cathode in a vacuum tube. In Thomson's cathode-ray tube experiment, these negatively charged particles are deflected by electric and magnetic fields, allowing for the determination of their charge-to-mass ratio. This experiment was pivotal in the discovery of the electron as a fundamental particle.

Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. In a mass spectrometer, charged particles (ions) are generated and then subjected to electric and magnetic fields, which separate them based on their mass. This allows for the identification and quantification of different isotopes and molecules in a sample.

Electric and Magnetic Fields

Electric and magnetic fields are fundamental forces that can influence the motion of charged particles. In both Thomson's cathode-ray tube and mass spectrometry, these fields are used to manipulate the trajectory of electrons or ions, enabling scientists to study their properties. The deflection of these particles provides insights into their charge and mass, which are critical for understanding atomic structure.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Only two isotopes of copper occur naturally: ⁶³Cu (atomic mass = 62.9296 amu; abundance 69.17%) ⁶⁵Cu (atomic mass = 64.9278 amu; abundance 30.83%). Calculate the atomic weight (average atomic mass) of copper.

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Textbook Question

Rubidium has two naturally occurring isotopes, rubidium-85 (atomic mass = 84.9118 amu; abundance = 72.15%) and rubidium-87 (atomic mass = 86.9092 amu; abundance = 27.85%). Calculate the atomic weight of rubidium

Textbook Question

Consider the mass spectrometer shown in Figure 2.11. Determine whether each of the following statements is true or false. If false, correct the statement to make it true: (a) The paths of neutral (uncharged) atoms are not affected by the magnet.

Textbook Question

Consider the mass spectrometer shown in Figure 2.11. Determine whether each of the following statements is true or false. If false, correct the statement to make it true: (b) The height of each peak in the mass spectrum is inversely proportional to the mass of that isotope.

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