# Mass Spectrometry

1. Oct 15, 2008

### cds5615

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

A mass spectrometer is designed to separate atoms of carbon to determine the fraction of different isotopes. (Isotopes of an element have the same atomic number but different atomic mass, due to different numbers of neutrons.) There are three main isotopes of carbon, with the following atomic masses:

Atomic masses

^{12}C 1.993 \times 10^{-26} {\rm {kg}}
^{13}C 2.163 \times 10^{-26} {\rm {kg}}
^{14}C 2.333 \times10^{-26} {\rm {kg}}

The atoms of carbon are singly ionized and enter a mass spectrometer with magnetic field strength B \;=\;0.200\;{\rm T} at a speed of 1.5 \times 10^{5}\;{\rm m/s}. The ions move along a semicircular path and exit through an exit slit. How far from the entrance will the beams of the different isotope ions end up?

2. Relevant equations

What is the charge of a carbon ion?

3. The attempt at a solution

I tried applying this formula but i need charge...

r=mv/qB

2. Oct 15, 2008

### Redbelly98

Staff Emeritus