Final answer:
The average atomic mass of bromine, considering its isotopes 79Br and 81Br, is calculated by converting the relative abundances to decimals, multiplying each by the respective isotope's mass, and summing the results, which gives approximately 79.8992 amu.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the average atomic mass of bromine, you need to take into account the mass and relative abundance of each isotope. The calculation involves converting the percent abundances to decimal form and then multiplying each by the isotope's respective mass. After that, you add these values together to get the average atomic mass.
Using the given data for the isotopes of bromine:
- 79Br: mass = 78.9183 amu, abundance = 50.69%
- 81Br: mass = 80.9163 amu, abundance = 49.31%
Convert the percentages to decimals and multiply:
(78.9183 amu * 0.5069) + (80.9163 amu * 0.4931) = 39.99468 amu + 39.90452 amu
Add the weighted masses:
39.99468 amu + 39.90452 amu = 79.8992 amu
Thus, the average atomic mass of bromine is approximately 79.8992 amu.