Question

In a Bainbridge mass spectrometer positive rays of the same element produce different traces. The traces correspond to:
A. Isotopes
B. Isobars
C. Isotones
D. None of the above

Answer 1

HINT: To solve this question, we will learn about Bainbridge mass spectrometer and the concept behind its working and its applications. We will also learn about the concepts involving emission of rays, etc. And by using this knowledge we can easily approach our answer.

Step-By-Step answer:
Bainbridge mass spectrometer- An Instrument used to get the accurate determination of atomic masses. Atoms with one or more electrons removed, have a net positive charge and they become positive ions. A beam of positive ion produced in a discharge tube is collimated into a fine beam by two narrow slits. A mass spectrometer is positive rays of the same element to build different traces. The traces correspond to isotopes. Isotopes are atoms of the same element, and also have the same atomic number by different mass numbers.
Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical property having moderately different physical properties. Isotopes are of two types: stable and unstable. Different chemical forms of these are used for brain, bone liver, spleen and kidney imaging and also for blood flow studies. Used in medicine for nuclear cardiology and tumor detection.
Stable Isotopes: They do not naturally decay but exist in natural material in differing proportions.
Unstable isotope: Isotopes that continuously break down into lower atomic weight isotopes.

Hence, the correct answer for our question is option A – Isotopes.

Note - Isotopes are atoms of the same element which accommodate the same number of protons but different number of neutrons. Isotopes are chemical elements with the same atomic number and position, nearly identical chemical behavior but with different atomic masses and physical properties. Radioactive isotopes are used to trace atoms in metabolism, to diagnose medical disorders, monitor chemical processes in the body, Forensic uses, used in environmental changes.