Question 21

The device that separates gaseous ions by their mass-to-charge ratio is called a mass spectrometer.

A mass spectrometer is specifically designed to analyze ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio, allowing for the identification and quantification of different substances.

A) mass spectrometer

This option is correct as a mass spectrometer utilizes magnetic and electric fields to separate ions according to their mass-to-charge ratio. It is an essential tool in analytical chemistry, enabling scientists to determine the composition of chemical samples.

B) interferometer

An interferometer is not designed to separate ions by mass-to-charge ratio; instead, it measures the interference of light waves to determine distances or changes in optical paths. Therefore, this option does not relate to the separation of gaseous ions.

C) magnetometer

A magnetometer measures magnetic fields and does not separate ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio. It is used primarily in geology and geophysics and is not suitable for the analysis of gaseous ions.

D) capacitance meter

A capacitance meter measures the capacitance of electrical components but does not have the capability to separate ions by mass-to-charge ratio. This option is unrelated to the analysis of ions in gaseous form.

Conclusion

The mass spectrometer is the only device among the options provided that effectively separates gaseous ions by their mass-to-charge ratio, making it the definitive correct answer. All other options either serve entirely different functions or are unrelated to the analysis of ions.