Mass spectrometer radius of the path

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To determine the radius of the path for doubly ionized gold ions (Au2+) in a mass spectrometer, the correct formula is r = sqrt(2mV) / (2qB). The charge q for the ions should be calculated as q = 2(1.6 x 10^-19 C), resulting in q = 3.2 x 10^-19 C. After substituting the mass (3.27 x 10^-25 kg), potential difference (1.40 kV), and magnetic field (0.600 T) into the formula, the radius is found to be approximately 1.7 cm. Accurate calculations and unit conversions are essential for obtaining the correct result.
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Suppose that an ion source in a mass spectrometer produces doubly ionized gold ions (Au2+), each with a mass of 3.27 x 10^-25 kg. The ions are accelerated from rest through a potential difference of 1.40 kV. Then, a 0.600 T magnetic field causes the ions to follow a circular path. Determine the radius of the path.

i tried to use

r = \frac {\sqrt{2mV}}{2q B^2}

i doubled the q because the question says the ions are doubly ionized. is q = 1.6 e -19 still or is it different with gold ions? my answer was 7.95 e -3 but I'm wrong according to my webassign.
 
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1timeuse said:
Suppose that an ion source in a mass spectrometer produces doubly ionized gold ions (Au2+), each with a mass of 3.27 x 10^-25 kg. The ions are accelerated from rest through a potential difference of 1.40 kV. Then, a 0.600 T magnetic field causes the ions to follow a circular path. Determine the radius of the path.

i tried to use

r = \frac {\sqrt{2mV}}{2q B^2}

i doubled the q because the question says the ions are doubly ionized. is q = 1.6 e -19 still or is it different with gold ions? my answer was 7.95 e -3 but I'm wrong according to my webassign.

Your denominator also belongs under the radical.
 


The formula you used, r = \frac {\sqrt{2mV}}{2q B^2}, is the correct one to use for finding the radius of the path of the ions in a mass spectrometer. However, the value of q will change depending on the charge of the ion. In this case, since the gold ions are doubly ionized, the charge would be 2 times the fundamental charge, so q = 2(1.6 x 10^-19) = 3.2 x 10^-19 C.

Plugging in the given values, we get:

r = \frac {\sqrt{2(3.27 x 10^-25)(1.40 x 10^3)}}{2(3.2 x 10^-19)(0.600)^2} = 0.017 m or 1.7 cm

So the radius of the path of the gold ions in this mass spectrometer would be approximately 1.7 cm. Make sure to double check your calculations and units to ensure accuracy.
 
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