An accelerated iron Ion moving through a mass spectrometer's field

AI Thread Summary
In a mass spectrometer, when both Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions are accelerated by the same potential, the Fe3+ ion moves faster due to its higher charge, despite its slightly smaller mass. The velocity equation v = sqrt|(2qV)/m| indicates that the charge significantly influences speed. For the path radius, the relationship r = sqrt|(m2V)/(qB)| suggests that the Fe2+ ion will have a larger radius because its lower charge results in less centripetal force acting on it, allowing it to deflect less. Confusion arises from the interplay of charge and mass in determining the radius, but ultimately, the Fe2+ ion's characteristics lead to a wider path. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for analyzing ion behavior in magnetic fields.
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Homework Statement



A sample of two different iron ions, Fe2+ and Fe3+, are accelerated by the same potential and then sent through the uniform magnetic field of a mass spectrometer.

a) Which ion moves faster after being accelerated?
b) Which ion follows the path with the largest radius?

Homework Equations



a)
Ek = 1/2mv^2
v= sqrt|(2qV)/m|
??v= (qBr)/m??

b)
Fc= (mv^2)/r
r = sqrt|(m2V)/(qB)|



The Attempt at a Solution



a) Stated that Fe3+ had a stronger charge and a smaller (though negligibly) mass. Related this to the Ek and v= sqrt|(2qV)/m| equations in order to show that it would have a faster velocity. I think I'm alright here...

b) This is where I have trouble. My gut tells me that the Fe2+ should have the larger radius (when I picture the charge in my head it has a lower Ek and gets deflected more). However, relating the equations is confusing me as I keep getting tripped up by thinking that the larger charge of the Fe3+ ion will cause it to experience more force and thus a wider radius pushing it. Maybe I should be picturing it enter the field from over top? (i.e. (x) and not from the side -->). Also, I want to try and set up r(Fe+3)/r(Fe+2) = ?/? but can't figure out which equation to use on the right side...

Help is very much appreciated.
 
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Equate centripetal force to the force of a moving charge in a magnetic field. What do you get?
 
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