Mass/Charge Ratio of Ions: How Much Difference?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mass/charge ratio of ions of the same element, exploring whether this ratio varies and what factors might influence it. Participants also touch upon the concept of isotopes and their relation to the mass/charge ratio.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the differences in mass/charge ratios among ions of the same element and whether these differences depend on other factors.
  • There is a suggestion that the mass/charge ratio should be solely dependent on mass and charge, although this point is not universally accepted.
  • One participant confirms that different ions of the same element can indeed have different mass/charge ratios.
  • Another participant mentions the concept of charge/mass ratio as the inverse of mass/charge ratio, noting its relevance in mass spectrometry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the mass/charge ratio is solely dependent on mass and charge, and while some agree that different ions can have different ratios, the discussion remains unresolved regarding the influence of other factors.

Contextual Notes

There is ambiguity regarding the terminology used, with some participants initially confusing ions with isotopes. The discussion does not clarify the specific conditions under which mass/charge ratios may vary.

StandardBanana
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How much difference is there between the mass/charge ratio of ions of the same element? Is it the same, or does it depend on other factors?
 
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StandardBanana said:
How much difference is there between the mass/charge ratio of atoms of the same element? Is it the same, or does it depend on other factors?
Did you mean "ions" of the same element (as noted by the thread title)? Or perhaps "isotopes"?

Regardless, mass/charge ratio should be solely dependent on those two quantities.
 
Comeback City said:
Did you mean "ions" of the same element (as noted by the thread title)? Or perhaps "isotopes"?

Regardless, mass/charge ratio should be solely dependent on those two quantities.

Yes I do mean ions, thank you for clearing that up :smile:

Does this mean that ions of the same element can have different mass/weight ratios?
 
StandardBanana said:
Yes I do mean ions, thank you for clearing that up :smile:

Does this mean that ions of the same element can have different mass/weight ratios?
No problem, and sorry for not mentioning before... Welcome to the Forums!

Yes, different ions of the same element have different mass/charge ratios.

Also, note, charge/mass ratio is also used sometimes, which is just the inverse of mass/charge. Both are important in mass spectrometry.
 

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