How do mass spectrometers help scientists identify isotopes? The video first describes how mass spectrometers work, both verbally and visually. The video then shows how to use graphs to identify potential isotopes.

Concepts

spectrometers, mass

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the video to introduce mass spectrometers

Classroom Considerations

• Video uses some physics terms, such as deflection, acceleration, and electric and magnetic fields; be sure viewers are familiar with these terms
• Viewers need to be familiar with isotopes (covered in the previous video)

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Animation shows a simplified process by which mass spectrometers work
• Explanations are clear and concise

Cons

• Video does not provide an actual picture of what a mass spectrometer looks like