Concept
Electron impact ionization is a process in which high-energy electrons collide with atoms or molecules, resulting in the ejection of one or more electrons and the formation of positive ions. This phenomenon is crucial in mass spectrometry and various plasma applications, providing insights into the structural and chemical properties of substances.
Relevant Degrees
Concept
Ionization energy is the amount of energy required to remove an electron from an isolated atom or ion in its gaseous state. It is a fundamental property that reveals the reactivity of elements, with higher ionization energies indicating a stronger hold on electrons and typically less reactivity.
Concept
Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, enabling the identification and quantification of molecules in complex mixtures. It is widely used in fields ranging from chemistry and biology to environmental science and medicine, providing detailed molecular information with high sensitivity and accuracy.
Concept
Collision theory is a model that explains how chemical reactions occur and why reaction rates vary for different reactions. It posits that for a reaction to happen, reactant particles must collide with sufficient energy and proper orientation to overcome the activation energy barrier.
Concept
Plasma physics is the study of charged particles and fluids interacting with self-consistent electric and magnetic fields, which is fundamental to understanding both natural and artificial plasma phenomena. It has applications ranging from astrophysical processes and space weather to controlled nuclear fusion and industrial technologies.
Concept
A cross section is a two-dimensional representation of a slice through an object or structure, often used to analyze the internal features or to simplify complex three-dimensional shapes for easier study. It is widely utilized in various fields such as physics, engineering, biology, and mathematics to gain insights into the internal composition and behavior of materials or systems.
Concept
Excitation refers to the process by which an electron or other particle is raised to a higher energy level within an atom or molecule, often through the absorption of energy. This process is fundamental in various scientific fields, including physics, chemistry, and biology, as it underpins phenomena such as fluorescence, phosphorescence, and the operation of lasers.
Concept
Secondary electrons are electrons that are ejected from a material's surface as a result of primary electron interactions, often in electron microscopy or radiation physics. These electrons have lower energy compared to the primary electrons and are crucial for generating high-resolution images and analyzing surface properties.
Concept
Ionization efficiency refers to the effectiveness with which a given process converts neutral atoms or molecules into ions. It is a critical parameter in mass spectrometry and other analytical techniques, influencing both sensitivity and accuracy of the measurements.
Concept
Electron energy distribution describes the range and probability of energy levels that electrons can occupy in a given system, crucial for understanding phenomena in fields like plasma physics and semiconductor technology. It is influenced by factors such as temperature, electromagnetic fields, and interactions with other particles, and is often modeled using statistical distributions like the Maxwell-Boltzmann or Fermi-Dirac distributions.
Concept
Ionization potential, also known as ionization energy, is the energy required to remove an electron from a neutral atom in its gaseous state, reflecting the atom's ability to hold onto its electrons. It is a critical factor in determining an element's chemical reactivity and is influenced by atomic size, nuclear charge, and electron shielding.
Concept
Fragmentation pattern refers to the specific way in which a molecule breaks apart into smaller ions or fragments during mass spectrometry analysis, providing a unique fingerprint that can be used to deduce the structure of the original molecule. Understanding these patterns is crucial for identifying unknown compounds and elucidating molecular structures in analytical chemistry.
Concept
A molecular ion is a charged species formed when a molecule gains or loses an electron, often observed in mass spectrometry. It provides crucial information about the molecular weight and structure, serving as a pivotal indicator in chemical analysis and identification.
Concept
An ion source is a device that creates ions from atoms or molecules, which are then used in mass spectrometry, particle accelerators, and other scientific applications. It operates by ionizing a sample through methods such as electron impact, chemical ionization, or plasma discharge, enabling precise analysis and manipulation of the ions produced.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is a powerful analytical technique that combines the features of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify different substances within a test sample. It is widely used for the analysis of complex mixtures, offering high sensitivity and specificity in detecting and quantifying compounds.
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