A-Level Chemistry: Spectroscopy & Analysis Revision

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What does mass spectrometry measure?

Spectroscopy & Analysis is a core part of A-Level Chemistry. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.

Key concepts

Mass spectrometryFinds relative masses and structure from mass/charge ratios.

Infrared spectroscopyIdentifies bonds and functional groups from absorption peaks.

NMR spectroscopyReveals carbon and hydrogen environments in a molecule.

ChromatographySeparates and identifies components by relative attraction.

FragmentationBreakdown of ions in mass spectrometry, giving structural clues.

Structure determinationCombining techniques to deduce a molecule's structure.

Molecular ion M+Peak from the unfragmented molecule; its m/z (the highest, ignoring M+1 and M+2 isotope peaks) gives the relative molecular mass.

M+1 peakFrom 13C isotope; ~1.1% per C.

M+2 peakIndicates Cl (3:1) or Br (1:1).

Base peakTallest peak; normalised to 100%.

TOFTime-of-flight mass spectrometer.

TMSTetramethylsilane reference; delta=0 ppm.

Chemical shift δPosition of NMR signal, ppm.

IntegrationPeak area ~ number of H atoms.

Learn Spectroscopy & Analysis step by step

Free interactive mini-lessons: short screens, worked examples and quick checks. Pick your exam board to open its course map, then tap L on this topic:

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Common mistakes to avoid

Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:

What does mass spectrometry measure?✗ The colour of a compound. ✓ Mass-to-charge ratios, giving relative masses and structural clues.

What does infrared (IR) spectroscopy identify?✗ Exactly how much of a substance is present. ✓ The bonds / functional groups present, from absorption peaks.

Do analytical instruments print a structure with no interpretation?✗ Yes, the machine directly states the structure. ✓ No — spectra (NMR, IR, MS) must be interpreted to deduce structure.

Practise Spectroscopy & Analysis — free games

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Spectroscopy & Analysis

Key concepts

Common mistakes to avoid

Practise Spectroscopy & Analysis — free games

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