Finding the mass of an atom - bainbridge mass spectrometer question

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
1 reply · 4K views
rugapark
Messages
22
Reaction score
0
Q. In a particular spectrometer, doubly ionised [tex]\stackrel{12}{6}[/tex]C and singly ionised [tex]\stackrel{6}{3}[/tex]Li atoms are detected. The ratio of the path radii is 1.00252, the Li having the larger value. The fields are constant. Find the mass of of the lithium atom.

I can only think of the equation which links electric force and circular motion in order to find the mass of the atom, however I can't seem to draw out the info needed to use the equation:

m = q [tex]\frac{BR}{v}[/tex]

where q is the charge, B is the magnetic field, and v is the velocity of the atom.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It's just a ratio thing.
What do you know about the mass of a Carbon12 atom (hint think standards)