Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry argon ions. Making the plasma from argon, instead of other gases, has several advantages. First, argon is abundant (in the atmosphere, as a result of the radioactive decay of potassium) and therefore cheaper than other noble gases. Argon also has a higher first ionization potential than all other elements except He, F, and Ne. Because of this high ionization energy, the reaction (Ar + e → Ar) is more energetically favorable than the reaction (M + e → M). This ensures that the sample remains ionized (as M) so that the mass spectrometer can detect it. Argon can be purchased
Sustainability at the University of British Columbia Sustainability at the University of British Columbia Climate change is now the most serious global environmental threat. Its potential impacts include global warming, sea level rise, and increased extreme weather events. Climate change is a direct consequence of elevated greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. Some examples include Carbon dioxide, Methane, and Nitrous oxide. They are emitted from fossil fuel burning. Electricity production generates the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, other sources include transportation, industry, and agriculture. These gases are said to make the planet warmer by “thickening