Question

A fictional element has two isotopes each making up 50% of the population. Isotope 1 has a mass of 80.0 amu. What is the mass of isotope 2?

(a) 82.0 amu
(b) 84.0 amu
(c) 86.0 amu
(d) 88.0 amu

Answer 1

The mass of isotope 2 is 80.0 amu.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mass of isotope 2 can be calculated by subtracting the mass of isotope 1 from the total mass of the element. Since isotope 1 has a mass of 80.0 amu and both isotopes make up 50% of the population, the total mass of the element is 2(80.0 amu) = 160.0 amu. Therefore, the mass of isotope 2 is 160.0 amu - 80.0 amu = 80.0 amu.