Question

Consider an element Z that has two naturally occurring isotopes with the following percent abundances: the isotope with a mass number of 19.0 is 55.0% abundance and the isotope with a mass number of 21.0 is 45.0 % abundant. What is the atomic mass for element Z
A
20.0 amu

B
20.10 amu

C
19.90 amu

D
40.0 amu

Answer 1

Answer:

The atomic mass for element Z = 19.90 amu (option C is correct)

Explanation:

Step 1: Data given

Element Z has 2 isotopes:

First isotope: Mass number of 19.0 has a natural abundance of 55.0 %

Second isotope: Mass number of 21.0 has a natural abundance of 45.0 %

Step 2: Calculate atomic mass for element Z

Atomic mass = isotopic mass 1 * natural abundance + isotopic mass 2 * natural abundance

Atomic mass = 19.0 * 0.55 + 21.0 *0.450

Atomic mass = 19.90 amu

The atomic mass for element Z = 19.90 amu (option C is correct)