Question

Chlorine has two naturally occurring isotopes, 35C| (abundance 76%) and 370 (abundance 24%), and it occurs as diatomic (two-atom) molecules. In a mass spectrum, peaks are seen for the molecule and for the separated atoms. (a) How many peaks are in the mass spectrum? (b) What is the m/e value of the heaviest particle and of the lightest particle?

Answer 1

We would see 5 peaks. 35Cl the lightest and 37Cl2 the heaviest

Step-by-step explanation:

The chlorine element has two isotopes (35 Cl and 37 Cl), in the mass spectrum we can observe the m/e of the diatomic molecules. Formed by an atom of chlorine 35 and another of chlorine 35. Or one of Cl 35 and one of Cl 37. Or both of Cl 37.

We can also observe the mass of each separately. That is why we would see 5 peaks.

• Cl = 35 <------------------------- lightest
• Cl = 37
• Cl2 = 35 + 35 = 70
• Cl2 = 35 + 37 = 72
• Cl2 = 37 + 37 = 74 <-------- heaviest