Describe the essential features of the experiment that led to the discovery of isotopes.
The basic principles of mass spectrometer led to the discovery of isotopes. Ionized atoms of different masses are bent to different extent by the application of electric and magnetic field. From the extent of deflection and shapes of arcs photographed it is possible to determine the value of charge/mass ratio. Since the charge of the ionized atoms can be determined by techniques of electrolysis, the masses of the atoms can be determined. Thus elements with different masses can be detected and identified. It was realized that ionized atoms of many elements did not give the same mass. But the chemical properties of these atoms were identical. Such atoms were called isotopes.
