What is the displacement of an ion in a mass spectrometer?

Thread starter negation
Start date Jan 8, 2014
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Ion

AI Thread Summary

The discussion focuses on calculating the distance traveled and the displacement of an ion in a mass spectrometer, which follows a semicircular path with a radius of 15.2 cm. For the distance traveled, the formula used is s = πr, resulting in a specific distance based on the radius. The displacement, however, requires clarification, as it involves determining the straight-line distance from the starting point to the endpoint of the semicircular path. The Pythagorean theorem is suggested as a method to find this displacement. Overall, the conversation centers on understanding the calculations related to the ion's movement in the mass spectrometer.

Jan 8, 2014

negation

Homework Statement

An ion in a mass-spec follows a semicircular path of radius 15.2 cm.
a)What are the distance it travels
b)The magnitude of its displacement

The Attempt at a Solution

a) s = pi.r
r = 15.2cm
∴
s = pi(15.2cm)

b) what is part(b) asking?

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Jan 8, 2014

negation

Ok I think I had it figured out.

particle at position(15.2,15.2)
Pythagoras theorem should solve it.

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