132 + Interview Questions in Mass Spectrometer in Analytical Instrumentation Page 3 InterviewSolution

101.	Double focussing section analysers offer better resolution than ICP spectrometry system.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was addressed to me in an international level competition.I need to ask this question from Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer topic in section Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» Correct option is (a) True For explanation I would say: DOUBLE FOCUSSING SECTION analysers offer BETTER resolution than ICP SPECTROMETRY system. Their disadvantage is that they are large and have a high capital cost.

Discussion

102.	Which of the following is not a feature of quadrupole mass spectrometer?(a) Low cost(b) Light weight(c) Low speed electronic scanning(d) Simple in constructionThis question was posed to me in semester exam.The doubt is from Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer topic in chapter Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» The correct choice is (c) LOW SPEED electronic scanning Easiest explanation: In QUADRUPOLE mass spectrometer, electronic scanning takes PLACE. The scanning takes place at high speed.

Discussion

103.	Which of the following is the least sensitive ion detector?(a) Faraday cup collector(b) Channeltron(c) Micro-channel plate(d) Electron multiplier transducerThe question was asked in quiz.I'd like to ask this question from Ion Transducers topic in chapter Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» Correct choice is (a) Faraday cup collector For explanation: Faraday cup collector is the LEAST sensitive ION DETECTOR. It is USED in places where great sensitivity is not REQUIRED.

Discussion

104.	Which of the following can be introduced into the ionization chamber directly?(a) Solid samples with low vapour pressure(b) Solid samples with high vapour pressure(c) Liquid samples with low density(d) Liquid samples with high densityThe question was posed to me in homework.I want to ask this question from Components of Mass Spectrometer in section Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» The correct OPTION is (a) Solid samples with LOW vapour pressure The EXPLANATION is: Solid samples with low vapour pressure can be introduced into the ionization CHAMBER DIRECTLY.

Discussion

105.	In magnetic deflection mass spectrometer, in which of the following ways is acceleration applied to the direction of motion?(a) In random manner(b) Parallel to it(c) Perpendicular to it(d) Along itI got this question during an interview.This interesting question is from Magnetic Deflection Mass Spectrometer in portion Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» Right option is (c) Perpendicular to it For explanation: Acceleration in the mass SPECTROMETER, is applied perpendicular to the direction of MOTION. The velocity of the OBJECT REMAINS CONSTANT.

Discussion

106.	In mass spectrometer, the sample that has to be analysed is bombarded with which of the following?(a) Protons(b) Electrons(c) Neutrons(d) Alpha particlesThe question was asked in semester exam.My question is taken from Principle of operation of Mass Spectrometer in portion Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» Right option is (b) Electrons The best explanation: In MASS SPECTROMETER, the sample which is to be analysed is bombarded with electrons. As a RESULT, IONS are produced.

Discussion

107.	Which of the following is not a component of mass spectrometer?(a) Inlet system(b) Sweep generator(c) Ion transducer(d) Mass analyserI had been asked this question during an internship interview.I'm obligated to ask this question of Components of Mass Spectrometer in division Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» RIGHT answer is (B) Sweep GENERATOR The best I can explain: Sweep generator is not a COMPONENT of a mass spectrometer. It is a component of NMR spectrometer.

Discussion

108.	In mass spectrometer, the ions are sorted out in which of the following ways?(a) By accelerating them through electric field(b) By accelerating them through magnetic field(c) By accelerating them through electric and magnetic field(d) By applying a high voltageThis question was addressed to me in an interview.I need to ask this question from Principle of operation of Mass Spectrometer in chapter Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» Right option is (c) By ACCELERATING them through electric and magnetic field To explain I would say: In MASS spectrometer, the ions are sorted out by accelerating them through an electric and magnetic field. A record of number of DIFFERENT KINDS of ions is CALLED mass spectrum.

Discussion

109.	The most common type of ion detector found in ICP system is which of the following?(a) Faraday cup collector(b) Channeltron(c) Micro-channel plate(d) Flame ionization detectorThis question was addressed to me during an online interview.This intriguing question comes from Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer topic in division Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» The correct option is (b) Channeltron Explanation: The most common TYPE of ion detector found in ICP system is channel tron electron MULTIPLIER. It is a cone or horn shaped tube.

Discussion

110.	In reverse-geometry mass spectrometer which of the following precedes the electric sector?(a) Nebulizer(b) Orifice(c) Magnetic sector(d) Mass spectrometerI got this question during an online exam.This interesting question is from Tandem Mass Spectroscopy in section Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» Correct answer is (C) MAGNETIC sector Easiest explanation: In reverse-geometry mass spectrometer magnetic sector precedes the electric sector. EARLY work on MS/MS was done with reverse-geometry double focussing mass spectrometer.

Discussion

111.	Which of the following is not a type of ionisation?(a) Field ionisation(b) Spontaneous ionisation(c) Spark ionisation(d) Chemical ionisationThe question was asked in semester exam.Question is from Components of Mass Spectrometer topic in portion Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» The correct answer is (b) SPONTANEOUS ionisation Explanation: Spontaneous ionisation is not a type of ionisation. In MASS spectrometer, ionisation is BROUGHT about by thermal or electrical ENERGY.

Discussion

112.	Ions flow is pumped into the vacuum system using which of the following?(a) Orifice(b) Nozzle(c) Venturi meter(d) Dall tubeThis question was addressed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.This interesting question is from Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer in division Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» CORRECT option is (a) Orifice To elaborate: IONS flow is pumped into the VACUUM system using orifice. It expands in the vacuum system.

Discussion

113.	Atomisation or ionisation occurs at which of the following conditions?(a) Vacuum pressure(b) Atmospheric pressure(c) Low pressure(d) High pressureI had been asked this question in an international level competition.The origin of the question is Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer topic in chapter Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» CORRECT choice is (d) HIGH pressure For explanation I would say: Atomization or ionisation occurs at ATMOSPHERIC pressure. The interface between the ICP and MS components are crucial in CREATING a VACUUM.

Discussion

114.	Using an interface would reduce detection limit and sensitivity.(a) True(b) FalseI got this question during an internship interview.Asked question is from Liquid Chromatograph- Mass Spectrometer in chapter Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» The correct choice is (a) True The best explanation: The total effluent must be split. Using an interface would REDUCE DETECTION LIMIT and SENSITIVITY.

Discussion

115.	Which of the following is the disadvantage of gas chromatography?(a) It is not a good method(b) It cannot be used for qualitative analysis(c) It cannot be used for the separation of volatile components(d) It does not provide direct identificationI got this question in an online interview.My doubt is from Gas Chromatograph- Mass Spectrometer topic in division Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» Correct choice is (d) It does not PROVIDE direct identification To elaborate: GAS chromatography is a very good METHOD for SEPARATION of COMPONENTS of a mixture. It does not provide direct identification.

Discussion

116.	Which of the following is not an ion transducer or detector?(a) Faraday cup collector(b) Channeltron(c) Micro-channel plate(d) Flame ionization detectorThe question was posed to me in an online quiz.My question comes from Ion Transducers in section Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» The correct answer is (d) Flame ionization DETECTOR The best I can explain: Flame ionization detector is not an ION transducer. It is a detector USED in CHROMATOGRAPHY.

Discussion

117.	If all the ions have the same kinetic energy how are their masses related to their velocities?(a) Mass and velocity are equal(b) Mass and velocity are not related(c) Mass and velocity are directly proportional(d) Mass and velocity are inversely proportionalThe question was asked in exam.My question is based upon Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer topic in section Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» The correct answer is (d) Mass and VELOCITY are inversely proportional Best explanation: If all the ions have the same KINETIC ENERGY, mass and velocity are inversely proportional. This is USED in the separation of ions.

Discussion

118.	In pyrolysis spectrometry, heating is done until which of the following is reached?(a) Curie point(b) Boiling point(c) Until production of superheated vapour(d) Until 100^oCThis question was posed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.This interesting question is from Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer topic in section Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» RIGHT ANSWER is (a) Curie point Best explanation: In PYROLYSIS spectrometry, heating is done until curie point is reached. At this point, MAGNETIC permeability drops abruptly.

Discussion

119.	In mass spectrometer, the sample gas is introduced into the highly evacuated spectrometer tube and it is ionised by electron beam.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was addressed to me at a job interview.I would like to ask this question from Principle of operation of Mass Spectrometer topic in division Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» Correct option is (a) True For explanation I would say: The sample gas is INTRODUCED into the HIGHLY EVACUATED spectrometer tube and it is ionised by an electron BEAM. The sample has to be in a GASEOUS state.

Discussion

120.	Which of the following separate the ions according to their mass-to-charge?(a) Ion source(b) Detector(c) Magnetic sector(d) Electric sectorI have been asked this question in unit test.This intriguing question originated from Magnetic Deflection Mass Spectrometer topic in portion Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» RIGHT answer is (c) MAGNETIC SECTOR The explanation: Magnetic sector will separate the IONS according to their mass-to-charge. The magnet will decide the mass to charge ratio.

Discussion

121.	Under which of the following temperatures is the ionisation chamber maintained?(a) 100^oC(b) 200^oC(c) 300^oC(d) 400^oCThe question was posed to me in semester exam.My enquiry is from Components of Mass Spectrometer topic in portion Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» Right ANSWER is (B) 200^oC For explanation I would say: The ionisation chamber is maintained at 200^oC. It is also maintained at LOW PRESSURE.

Discussion

122.	The procedure for mass spectroscopy starts with which of the following processes?(a) The sample is bombarded by electron beam(b) The ions are separated by passing them into electric and magnetic field(c) The sample is converted into gaseous state(d) The ions are detectedI have been asked this question in an online quiz.This is a very interesting question from Principle of operation of Mass Spectrometer topic in division Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» Correct option is (c) The SAMPLE is converted into gaseous state For explanation: The PROCEDURE for MASS spectroscopy starts with converting the sample into a gaseous state. This is done by CHEMICAL PROCESSES.

Discussion

123.	No two molecules will be fragmented and ionized in exactly the same manner.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was asked in an interview for internship.I need to ask this question from Principle of operation of Mass Spectrometer topic in division Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» CORRECT choice is (a) True For EXPLANATION: No two molecules will be FRAGMENTED and ionized in exactly the same manner. This is how different molecules are identified in a complex mixture.

Discussion

124.	What does the acronym ‘MIKES’ stand for?(a) Mass-analysed ion kinetic energy spectrometer(b) Mass-based induced kinetic energy spectrometer(c) Mass invasive kinetic electric spectrometer(d) Mass-analyser in a kinetic energy-type spectrometerThis question was addressed to me in an online interview.My question is taken from Tandem Mass Spectroscopy in portion Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» The correct answer is (a) Mass-analysed ion kinetic energy SPECTROMETER To EXPLAIN I would SAY: ‘MIKES’ STANDS for mass-analysed ion kinetic energy spectrometer. It is related to spectrometers having magnetic field sectors.

Discussion

125.	In MIKES experiments which of the following are measured?(a) Product ions(b) Product ion kinetic energies(c) Product ions mass to charge ratio(d) Product ions massesThis question was posed to me during an internship interview.My doubt stems from Tandem Mass Spectroscopy in chapter Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» The CORRECT answer is (b) Product ION kinetic ENERGIES The explanation: In MIKES experiments, MASS to charge ratios are not MEASURED. Product ion kinetic energies are measured in these experiments.

Discussion

126.	Which of the following is used to separate a single mass that is characteristic of a given analyte in a mixture?(a) First mass spectrometer(b) Second mass spectrometer(c) Filter(d) PrecursorThis question was posed to me in semester exam.My question comes from Tandem Mass Spectroscopy in section Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» The CORRECT answer is (a) First mass spectrometer Explanation: First mass spectrometer is used to separate a SINGLE mass that is CHARACTERISTIC of a given analyte in a mixture. The single mass is known as the PRECURSOR.

Discussion

127.	ICP is used to analyse samples in which of the following states?(a) Solids(b) Liquids(c) Gases(d) Solids and liquidsThis question was addressed to me in final exam.This intriguing question originated from Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer topic in chapter Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» Right answer is (d) Solids and liquids To explain I WOULD SAY: ICP is used to ANALYSE samples in both solid and LIQUID states. Atomic EMISSION spectrometer is used to analyse only solid samples.

Discussion

128.	In quadrupole mass spectrometer, the ratio u/v is mass dependent, where ‘u’ is the DC voltage and ‘v’ is the peak amplitude.(a) True(b) FalseI had been asked this question in an interview for job.I want to ask this question from Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer topic in section Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» Correct answer is (b) False Explanation: In quadrupole mass spectrometer, the ratio u/v is mass INDEPENDENT, where ‘u’ is the DC voltage and ‘v’ is the PEAK amplitude. This ratio is kept CONSTANT.

Discussion

129.	Which of the following is not the characteristic of ICP spectrometer?(a) Easy sample introduction(b) It can trace multiple elements(c) High detection limits(d) AccurateThis question was posed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.My question is from Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer in division Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» The correct CHOICE is (c) HIGH detection limits The best EXPLANATION: ICP spectrometer has LOW detection limits of a mass spectrometer. It is capable of tracking MULTIPLE elements.

Discussion

130.	Which of the following is the heart of quadrupole instrument?(a) Electrodes(b) Choke(c) DC potential(d) DetectorThe question was asked in examination.The query is from Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer topic in division Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» The CORRECT choice is (a) Electrodes The explanation is: Electrodes are the heart of QUADRUPOLE INSTRUMENT. OPPOSITE electrodes are electrically CONNECTED.

Discussion

131.	Which of the following statements is not true about mass spectrometry?(a) Impurities of masses different from the one being analysed interferes with the result(b) It has great sensitivity(c) It is suitable for data storage(d) It is suitable for library retrievalI had been asked this question at a job interview.This intriguing question comes from Principle of operation of Mass Spectrometer topic in section Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» Right choice is (a) Impurities of masses different from the one being analysed interferes with the RESULT For explanation I would SAY: Impurities of masses different from the one being analysed does not INTERFERE with the result in MASS SPECTROSCOPY. This is a major advantage of this technique.

Discussion

132.	Solid samples are introduced into the ICP spectrometer using which of the following?(a) Nebulizer(b) Curvette having glass windows(c) Probe(d) Laser ablation systemI had been asked this question in an interview for internship.I'd like to ask this question from Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer in chapter Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation
Answer» The CORRECT answer is (d) Laser ablation system To explain: ICP spectrometer can be used for solid samples. They are INTRODUCED USING a laser ablation system.

Discussion

Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in .

Which of the following is not a type of ionisation?(a) Field ionisation(b) Spontaneous ionisation(c) Spark ionisation(d) Chemical ionisationThe question was asked in semester exam.Question is from Components of Mass Spectrometer topic in portion Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation

Using an interface would reduce detection limit and sensitivity.(a) True(b) FalseI got this question during an internship interview.Asked question is from Liquid Chromatograph- Mass Spectrometer in chapter Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation

Which of the following is not an ion transducer or detector?(a) Faraday cup collector(b) Channeltron(c) Micro-channel plate(d) Flame ionization detectorThe question was posed to me in an online quiz.My question comes from Ion Transducers in section Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation

Under which of the following temperatures is the ionisation chamber maintained?(a) 100^oC(b) 200^oC(c) 300^oC(d) 400^oCThe question was posed to me in semester exam.My enquiry is from Components of Mass Spectrometer topic in portion Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation

No two molecules will be fragmented and ionized in exactly the same manner.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was asked in an interview for internship.I need to ask this question from Principle of operation of Mass Spectrometer topic in division Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation

Which of the following is the heart of quadrupole instrument?(a) Electrodes(b) Choke(c) DC potential(d) DetectorThe question was asked in examination.The query is from Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer topic in division Mass Spectrometer of Analytical Instrumentation