The Mass Spectrometer Interactive is an adjustable-size file that displays nicely on  tablets such as the iPad, on Chromebooks, and on laptops and desktops. The size of the Interactive can be scaled to fit the device that it is displayed on. While it works on smartphones, the screen size may a bit prohibitive for the older eyes among us given the density of information that is contained in the Simulator; we recommend a larger screen for such users. The compatibility with iPads, other tablets, and Chromebooks make it a perfect tool for use in a 1:1 classroom.

 

This simulation allows a user to explore the inner workings of a Bainbridge Mass Spectrometer. The simulation has a rich collection of variables that can be quickly changed in order to observe what affects what?  The Parameter Control panel (on the right) is organized into three sections, with each set of controls allowing the user to modify each section of the mass spectrometer - the Charge Accelerator, the Velocity Selector, and the Detector (Magnetic Field).

To assist in the study of what affects what?, students can remove the velocity selector and/or the magnetic field in order to investigate each section of the mass spectrometer independently. For instance, both the Velocity Selector and the Magnetic Field can be removed from the simulation by tapping on the check box in the Control Panel. By so doing, students can investigate the numerical effect of changing parameters within the Charge Accelerator upon the exit velocity of the ion, free of the distractions of the other two sections. Once an understanding of how the velocity of the ion can be controlled is established, students can turn on the Magnetic Field and study how particle mass, particle charge, and magnetic field effect the path of the ion through the detector and the radius of its circular arc. Finally, once the Charge Accelerator and the Magnetic Field are understood, the Velocity Selector can be enabled and students can explore the effect of the variety of variables upon the trajectory of the ion in an effort to understand how to direct the ion in a straight-line path towards the entrance to the detector. 

The Animation Controls below the animation window can be used to reset and replay the animation. Reset will reset all parameter values to the original state. Replay will rewind the most recent trial without changing any parameter values. This will allow a student to make a slight variable modification and then quickly observe its effect upon the path of the ion. The Slow, Start, and Pause buttons can be used by students as needed to more easily observe output parameters such as the electric force, magnetic force, and velocity as the ion moves through the Velocity Selector or the Magnetic Field. 

Finally, users have control over the Display features of the simulation. The simulation is rich with information and there may be some occasions in which users wish to reduce the quantity of information being displayed. The Display panel (far right side) can be used to disable the display of a particular input or output parameter. By so doing, selected information is dropped from the displays in the animation window. By default, all the parameters are enabled. Tapping on the Reset button will re-enable all parameter displays. A check box next to a display parameter indicates that the parameter's display is enabled.
 

As of this writing, our available resources on the topic of electromagnetism are rather slim. However we do have some recent additions to our Calculator Pad section and our Science Reasoning Center sections that might make great complements to this simulation. We have linked to these below.

Calculator Pad, Electromagnetism
We have 12 interactive problem sets on concepts associated with electromagnetism. Each problem set consists of a collection of multi-part problems requiring careful analysis and an understanding of the relationship among quantities. Users of this simulation may be particularly interested in Problem Set EM2 on the topic of The Bainbridge Mass Spectrometer. The other problem sets in the chapter are also worth the look.


Science Reasoning Center - Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Our Science Reasoning Center consists of a collection of activities that require students to combine an understanding of Physics concepts with science and engineering practices in order to analyze data and experiments and associated phenomena.  In particular, Electromagnetism - Part 1 and Electromagnetism - Part 2 would fit in well with any unit plans that emphasize the effects of a magnetic field upon a moving electric charge (and vice versa).

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We owe a special thanks to Physics teacher Martin Kirby for contributing this simulation to our Interactives collection. If you like this sim, you can tap on the Donate button and buy him a cup of coffee (or a pot of coffee); he'd appreciate it. Martin has contributed many other simulations to our Interactives collection. You can view them all by visiting our page listing all Martin Kirby Simulations. Or visit Martin's website (kirbyx.com) to learn more.

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