Question

3. Mass Spectrometers - describe the specific components of two mass spectrometers that you might use for the following analysis. You need to include the sample introduction, ionization, mass analyzer, and detector. You may draw a block diagram but it must be clearly labeled. Please include information on mass accuracy, mass resolution, mass range, dynamic range, and approximate cost to justify your answer.

a) Hydrocarbon components in gasoline
b) peptides components in a protein sample

Answer 1

Mass spectrometers can be used to analyze hydrocarbon components in gasoline and peptides components in a protein sample. The specific components of a mass spectrometer, such as sample introduction, ionization technique, mass analyzer, and detector vary depending on the analysis being performed. The mass accuracy, mass resolution, mass range, dynamic range, and cost of a mass spectrometer also depend on the specific model and brand chosen.

Step-by-step explanation:

a) Hydrocarbon components in gasoline:

The specific components of a mass spectrometer that can be used for the analysis of hydrocarbon components in gasoline include:

Sample Introduction: The sample can be introduced into the mass spectrometer using a syringe or by direct injection.

Ionization: The ionization technique used is typically electron ionization (EI) or chemical ionization (CI).

Mass Analyzer: The mass analyzer used may be a quadrupole mass analyzer or a time-of-flight (TOF) mass analyzer.

Detector: The detector used can be a Faraday cup detector or an electron multiplier detector.

The mass accuracy, mass resolution, mass range, dynamic range, and approximate cost of the mass spectrometer will vary depending on the specific model and brand chosen.

b) Peptides components in a protein sample:

The specific components of a mass spectrometer that can be used for the analysis of peptides components in a protein sample include:

Sample Introduction: The sample can be introduced into the mass spectrometer using liquid chromatography (LC) or electrospray ionization (ESI).

Ionization: The ionization technique used is typically electrospray ionization (ESI) or matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI).

Mass Analyzer: The mass analyzer used may be a quadrupole mass analyzer, ion trap, or orbitrap mass analyzer.

Detector: The detector used can be a Faraday cup detector or an electron multiplier detector.

The mass accuracy, mass resolution, mass range, dynamic range, and approximate cost of the mass spectrometer will vary depending on the specific model and brand chosen.

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