Question

Chlorine has two naturally occurring isotopes, Cl-35 and Cl-37. The atomic mass of chlorine is 35. 45. Which of these isotopes of chlorine is more abundant? Explain. (write in)

Answer 1

Cl-35 is more abundant than Cl-37 because the atomic mass of chlorine (35.45 amu) is closer to the mass of Cl-35 (34.97 amu), and Cl-35 has a higher percentage abundance.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine which of the isotopes of chlorine, Cl-35 or Cl-37, is more abundant, we look at the atomic mass of chlorine and the mass percentages of the isotopes. Chlorine has an atomic mass of 35.45 amu. The isotopes Cl-35 and Cl-37 have an abundance of 75% and 25%, respectively, and atomic masses of 34.97 amu and 36.97 amu. Therefore, since the atomic mass of chlorine is much closer to that of Cl-35 than Cl-37, and given that the abundance affects the average atomic mass significantly, we can deduce that Cl-35 is the more abundant isotope of chlorine.