What measurement do specialized Mass Spectrometers provide when chemically breaking down a sample?
Answer
Highly accurate elemental and isotopic composition data
Specialized mass spectrometers housed within landers and rovers perform direct physical sampling analysis. The process involves chemically breaking down a solid sample into its constituent atoms or molecules, which are then ionized. The instrument measures the mass-to-charge ratio of these resulting ions as they travel through a magnetic or electric field. This measurement technique yields extremely accurate data concerning the elemental makeup of the material, including precise isotopic ratios, which is critical for distinguishing between materials formed by natural abiotic processes versus those potentially created by biological activity.
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