Question

A fictious element X is composed of 15.0 percent of the isotope ^44X, 25.0 percent of the isotope ^45X, and 60.0 percent of the isotope ^46X. Estimate the atomic mass of element X. (write in)

Answer 1

The atomic mass of element X can be estimated by calculating the weighted average of the masses of its isotopes. For element X, which is composed of isotopes with compositions of 15.0%, 25.0%, and 60.0%, the estimated atomic mass is 45.45 amu.

Step-by-step explanation:

The atomic mass of element X can be estimated using the percentages of its isotopes. The atomic mass of an element is the weighted average of the masses of its isotopes, taking into account their relative abundances. In this case, element X is composed of three isotopes with compositions of 15.0%, 25.0%, and 60.0%. To calculate the atomic mass, we multiply the mass of each isotope by its abundance and sum them up. The calculation can be done as follows:

(0.15 * 44) + (0.25 * 45) + (0.60 * 46) = 6.6 + 11.25 + 27.6 = 45.45

Therefore, the estimated atomic mass of element X is 45.45 atomic mass units (amu).