Question detail
What is the purpose of using mass spectrometry in organic analysis?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Organic analysis
Question
- A. To determine the boiling point of a compound
- B. To identify the molecular mass of a compound
- C. To measure the pH of a solution
- D. To observe color changes in reactions
Answer
To identify the molecular mass of a compound
Explanation
Mass spectrometry is used to determine the molecular mass of a compound by measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of its ions, which helps in identifying the molecular structure.
Common mistake
Identifying Functional Groups
Students often confuse the tests for alcohols and aldehydes, leading to incorrect identification.
To correctly identify alcohols and aldehydes, remember that alcohols react with acidified potassium dichromate to produce a color change from orange to green, while aldehydes can be identified using Tollens' reagent, which produces a silver mirror. Use the following steps: 1. For alcohols, apply the formula: color change = orange to green. 2. For aldehydes, apply the formula: silver mirror = positive test. 3. Substitute the observed results into the identification process. 4. Conclude with the correct functional group based on the test results.
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