Mass spectrometer

• 1. Vaporisation
  2. ionisation
  3. acceleration
  4. ion drift
  5. detection
• Vaporisation

  sample is vaporised
• Ionisation

  sample is bombarded with high energy electrons which ionises the atom to form +1 charge
• Acceleration

  positive ions passed through electric field

  particles with lower m/z ratio will accel quicker
• detection

  ions are detected as electrical current is made when particle hits the plate