Question

Explain how to determine the average atomic mass from knowing the percent abundance of isotopes

Answer 1

To calculate the average atomic mass of an element from percent abundances, convert the abundances to decimals, multiply each decimal by the atomic mass of the corresponding isotope, and sum the products.

Step-by-step explanation:

The average atomic mass of an element can be calculated using the percent abundances of its isotopes. To do this, convert the percent abundances into decimal form by dividing by 100. Then, multiply each decimal abundance by the respective isotope's atomic mass. Finally, add the products together to get the average atomic mass of the element.

Answer 2

The chlorine isotope with 18 neutrons has an abundance of 0.7577 and a mass number of 35 amu. To calculate the average atomic mass, multiply the fraction by the mass number for each isotope, then add them together.