Question

The three naturally occurring isotopes of potassium are 39K, 38.963707u; 40K, 39.963999u; and 41K.The percent natural abundances of 39K and 41k are 93.2581% and 6.7302%, respectively. Determine the isotopic mass of 41K.

Answer 1

Answer:

The isotopic mass of 41K is 40.9574 amu

Explanation:

Step 1: Data given

The isotopes are:  

39K with an isotopic mass of 38.963707u and natural abundance of 93.2581%

40K with an isotopic mass of 39.963999u

41K wit natural abundance of 6.7302 %

Average atomic mass =39.098 amu  

Step 2: Calculate natural abundance of 40 K

100 % - 93.2581 % - 6.7302 %

100 % = 0.0117 %

Step 3: Calculate isotopic mass of 41K

39.098 = 38.963707 * 0.932581 + 39.963999 * 0.000117 + X * 0.067302

39.098 = 36.33681 + 0.0046758 +  X * 2.067302

X = 40.9574 amu

The isotopic mass of 41K is 40.9574 amu