BMAT 2018 Section 2 Question 14

The masses of atoms and molecules can be determined using a mass spectrometer. The masses can be shown as a series of peaks. Element X exists as a diatomic molecule. The mass spectrum will show the mass of ions from individual atoms of X and from X2 molecules. The mass spectrum for element X is shown below:
How many different isotopes of X can be determined from this spectrum

Answer:

The two spikes at 35 and 37 indicate two isotopes of element X.

The spike at 70 is due to two isotopes of mass 35 existing as a diatomic molecule. (35 + 35 = 70)

The spike at 72 is due to two isotopes of mass 35 and 37 existing as a diatomic molecule.
(35 + 37 = 72)

The spike at 74 is due to two isotopes of mass 37 existing as a diatomic molecule. (37 + 37 = 74)

So B is the answer.

Sami Qamar

I’m Sami Qamar. I’m a YouTuber, Blogger, and first year med student.

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