An element X occurs in nature in three isotopic forms with masses 30u, 32u and 33 u in the ratio 3:3:4. What is the average mass of element X?
31.80
The isotopes with masses 30u, 32u and 33u in the ratio 3:3:4.
The average mass can be calculated in following manner,
Consider the ratio 3:3:4,
The contribution of isotope having mass 30u, 32u and 33 u to average atomic mass will respectively be in the ratio 3/10, 3/10, 4/10 respectively.
i.e. contribution of isotope of mass 30 u will be 30× 310
similarly, contribution of isotope of mass 32 u will be 32×310
contribution of isotope of mass 30 u will be 33×410
Therefore average atomic mass will be :
Z= 30× 310+32×310+33×410
⇒ Z= 9010+9610+13210
⇒ Z= 31810
⇒ Z= 31.80