Solving the Properties of Iron Ions Fe2+ and Fe3+

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the properties of iron ions Fe2+ and Fe3+ in a mass spectrometer, specifically their acceleration and travel characteristics. It is noted that Fe2+ ions will travel faster and have a larger radius compared to Fe3+ due to their lower charge-to-mass ratio. The formula m = qBr/2V is referenced to understand the behavior of these ions, emphasizing that mass spectrometers measure mass-to-charge ratios. Additionally, it is mentioned that ionizing atoms multiple times can complicate measurements. The thread concludes with a request for further clarification on these concepts.
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[SOLVED] Iron ions

I am curious about the properties of iron ions fe2+ and fe3+. As they are accelerated in a mass spectrometer, which would travel faster and have the largest radius. I understand that they have lost electrons and have a marginal loss in mass, as well I understand that a positively charged ion will attempt to return to a neutral state. However how do I prove it with the following:

m= qBr/2V, understanding that both B and r are squared.

Any help would be great, thanks.
 
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Mass spectrometer strictly speaking measure mass/charge ratios - so an Fe2+ ion would behave the same as a Al+ ion with half the mass.
You generally try not to multiply ionize atoms to avoid this!

(My wife is the MS expert but she's at work)
 
thanks
 

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