Question

Show a numerical setup for calculating the atomic mass of sulfur.

a) (32 x 0.95) + (33 x 0.02) + (34 x 0.02) + (36 x 0.01)
b) (32 x 0.02) + (33 x 0.01) + (34 x 0.95) + (36 x 0.02)
c) (32 x 0.02) + (33 x 0.02) + (34 x 0.95) + (36 x 0.01)
d) (32 x 0.01) + (33 x 0.02) + (34 x 0.02) + (36 x 0.95)

Answer 1

The correct set-up for calculating the atomic mass of sulfur is option a) (32 x 0.95) + (33 x 0.02) + (34 x 0.02) + (36 x 0.01).

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct set-up for calculating the atomic mass of sulfur is option a) (32 x 0.95) + (33 x 0.02) + (34 x 0.02) + (36 x 0.01).

This equation accounts for the different isotopes of sulfur (32, 33, 34, and 36) and their respective abundances (0.95, 0.02, 0.02, and 0.01).

Multiplying the mass of each isotope by its abundance and summing them will give the atomic mass of sulfur.