An element has three isotopes with the following properties: Isotope 1: mass 12.0 amu, natural abundance 20%; Isotope 2: mass 14.0 amu, natural abundance 30%; Isotope 3: mass 16.0 amu, natural abundance 50%. What is the average atomic mass of the element?
Options
A
13.6 amu
B
14.0 amu
C
14.6 amu
D
14.8 amu
Answer & Analysis
Answer
C
Analysis
Question Analysis
This question evaluates the student's ability to calculate the average atomic mass of an element with multiple isotopes.
Key Concept Explanation
The average atomic mass is the weighted average of the masses of all naturally occurring isotopes, where the weights are given by their natural abundances.
Step-by-step Solution
1. Convert the natural abundances to fractional abundances:
Isotope 1:
Isotope 2:
Isotope 3:
2. Calculate the contribution of each isotope to the average atomic mass:
Contribution of Isotope 1: amu
Contribution of Isotope 2:
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