Chemistry

Problem

Two separate samples of bromine were analyzed by mass spectrometry. • Sample 1 shows two peaks at

m/z = 79

and

m/z = 81

with a relative intensity ratio of about 1:1. • Sample 2 shows the same two peaks, but the peak at 81 is roughly four times taller than the peak at 79. Which conclusion about Sample 2 is most strongly supported by these data? a) Sample 2 is enriched in the isotope

^{79}\text{Br}

. b) The unusually tall peak at

m/z = 81

arises from a significant impurity in the sample that also produces ions at that

m/z

value. c) Sample 2 has been enriched in the isotope

^{81}\text{Br}

relative to natural bromine. d) Many of the bromine ions in Sample 2 are doubly charged, causing the

^{81}\text{Br}

peak to appear four times more intense.

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