Learn: Atomic Structure

Welcome!Today we'll explore atomic structure, an essential topic in chemistry. We'll break it down step by step to make it simple and clear.

What is Atomic Structure?Atomic structure explains how atoms are built. Atoms consist of a nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) surrounded by electrons in energy levels. These components determine the properties of elements.

Proton Number and Mass NumberThe proton number (atomic number) is the number of protons in an atom, which defines the element. The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

What are Isotopes?Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same proton number but different numbers of neutrons. This means they have the same chemical properties but different masses.

What is TOF Mass Spectrometry?Time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry is a technique used to determine the mass and abundance of particles. It works by ionising atoms and measuring how long they take to travel a certain distance.

Steps in TOF Mass Spectrometry- Ionisation: Atoms are ionised to form positive ions.- Acceleration: Ions are accelerated by an electric field.- Drift: Ions travel through a region with no electric field.- Detection: The time taken for ions to reach the detector is measured.

Interpreting Mass SpectraA mass spectrum shows the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) and abundance of ions. Peaks represent different isotopes, and their heights indicate relative abundances.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about atomic structure, isotopes, TOF mass spectrometry, and interpreting mass spectra. Let's test your understanding.