Accelerator mass spectrometer is a scientific instrument that is used to analyze the isotopic composition of samples. It is a powerful tool that is used in various fields of science, including archaeology, geology, and environmental studies. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of accelerator mass spectrometer, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
An accelerator mass spectrometer is a type of mass spectrometer that is used to measure the abundance of isotopes in a sample. It is a highly sensitive instrument that can detect very low levels of isotopes. In an accelerator mass spectrometer, the sample is first ionized and then accelerated to high energies. The ions are then separated based on their mass-to-charge ratio, and the abundance of each isotope is measured.
Origin
The first accelerator mass spectrometer was developed in the 1970s by a team of scientists led by Willard Libby. Libby was a Nobel Prize-winning chemist who is best known for his work on radiocarbon dating. The development of accelerator mass spectrometry was a significant breakthrough in the field of isotopic analysis, as it allowed scientists to analyze very small samples with high precision.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an accelerator mass spectrometer is “a mass spectrometer that uses a particle accelerator to produce high-energy ions for analysis.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a device for measuring the isotopic composition of a sample by accelerating its ions to high energies and then analyzing the resulting spectrum.”
Associations
Accelerator mass spectrometry is commonly used in a variety of scientific fields, including archaeology, geology, and environmental studies. It is used to analyze the isotopic composition of materials such as rocks, fossils, and environmental samples. It is also used in medical research to study the effects of radiation on living organisms.
Synonyms
There are no commonly used synonyms for accelerator mass spectrometer, as it is a highly specialized scientific instrument.
Antonyms
There are no commonly used antonyms for accelerator mass spectrometer.
The same root words
The root words in accelerator mass spectrometer are “accelerator,” “mass,” and “spectrometer.” An accelerator is a device that increases the velocity of particles, while mass refers to the amount of matter in an object. A spectrometer is an instrument used to measure the properties of light or other electromagnetic radiation.
Example Sentences
- The archaeologists used an accelerator mass spectrometer to analyze the isotopic composition of the ancient pottery.
- The geologists used an accelerator mass spectrometer to determine the age of the rock formation.
- The environmental scientists used an accelerator mass spectrometer to measure the levels of carbon-14 in the soil.
- The medical researchers used an accelerator mass spectrometer to study the effects of radiation on cancer cells.