Mass spectrometer with a Lead element

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the operation of a mass spectrometer specifically involving lead isotopes. The original poster seeks clarification on the setup and functioning of the spectrometer, particularly regarding the acceleration of ionized lead atoms and the implications of a specified ion current.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the correct polarity for accelerating ionized lead atoms, question the meaning of Pb^- ions, and discuss the significance of a 1 μA ion current. There are inquiries about converting current to atomic flow and the implications of isotope selection based on mass differences.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the nature of the current and its relation to atomic flow. There is ongoing exploration of the relationship between isotopes and the required magnetic field for the spectrometer, with various interpretations being considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of specific information regarding voltage, electric fields, and other parameters necessary for solving the problem, which may impact the discussion's direction.

  • #31
Was the difference between m1 and m2 supposed to be 1.67x10-27? I wonder if I made the wrong calculation.
m2 - m1 = 0.02x10-25 = 2x10-27. Does a 0.33 slip cause a problem? I hope does not :)
 
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  • #32
requied said:
Was the difference between m1 and m2 supposed to be 1.67x10-27? I wonder if I made the wrong calculation.
m2 - m1 = 0.02x10-25 = 2x10-27. Does a 0.33 slip cause a problem? I hope does not :)

In Post #27 you wrote:
m1 = 3.42*10-27x205.974 = 3.42*10-25
Where did 3.42*10^-27 come from? Also, the result is not what my calculator says. And you should be including units.
 
  • #33
phyzguy said:
Where did 3.42*10^-27 come from?
Oh, I thought I fixed it when I see it first time. So, actually 1AMU = 1.66X10-27 and m1 = 205.974*1.66x10-27 = 3.4191684×10-25 = 3.42x10-25. But I can't edit the post #27 now.
phyzguy said:
Also, the result is not what my calculator says.
It may says the same result now I guess.
phyzguy said:
And you should be including units.
I'm going to take care of it. Thanks for notice.

edit: I think only latest posts can be edited. So #27 will not be able to be changed.
 
  • #34
So then m2 - m1 = 1 AMU = 1 neutron mass, right?
 
  • #35
I was talking about the same thing at #31. And because of we can't use these as m2-m1 in ##
(r_2 - r_1) = r_2 (1 - \sqrt{\frac{m_1}{m_2}})## I calculated these m2 and m1 one by one. So in this way, we don't have to use actual mneutron I think. What do you think?
 
  • #36
You're right. The original problem didn't ask you to use the neutron mass, it just said, "The mass difference between two isotopes is sometimes just a neutron mass. The spectrometer should separate them very well."
 
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  • #37
phyzguy said:
You're right. The original problem didn't ask you to use the neutron mass, it just said, "The mass difference between two isotopes is sometimes just a neutron mass. The spectrometer should separate them very well."
Would you like to add something else? Because I am starting over to do the homework.
 
  • #38
requied said:
Would you like to add something else? Because I am starting over to do the homework.
I think you've got the idea. A couple of things to remember:
(1) Clearly state the assumptions you are making.
(2) Make sure to keep enough significant figures so the error in your final answer is less than 10%, especially when subtracting two similar sized numbers like r2-r1.
(3) Always include the units!
 
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  • #39
phyzguy said:
I think you've got the idea. A couple of things to remember:
(1) Clearly state the assumptions you are making.
(2) Make sure to keep enough significant figures so the error in your final answer is less than 10%, especially when subtracting two similar sized numbers like r2-r1.
(3) Always include the units!
Thanks for everything ! All the best
 
  • #40
In velocity selector region, the question says "determine" but I did it like this below. I chose the voltage necessarily. Is there another way to determine these values?
1591802065885.png
 
  • #41
And also, how can I calculate power of this voltage supply? This can be thought of a capacitor?
 

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