Question

The atomic mass of silver is 107.87. Silver has two very abundant isotopes occurring in almost equal proportions, along with a number of very rare isotopes.

Which are most likely to be the atomic masses of the two most abundant isotopes of silver?
A) 105.91, 106.91
B) 105.91, 108.90
C) 106.91, 108.90
D) 106.91, 109.91

Answer 1

The two most abundant isotopes of silver are most likely to be those with masses of 105.91 and 108.90 amu, as they average to the given atomic mass of silver, 107.87, when considered with nearly equal natural abundances.

Step-by-step explanation:

The atomic mass of silver is 107.87, which is a weighted average of the masses of its isotopes based on their relative abundances. The question asks which pairs of atomic masses are most likely to represent the two most abundant isotopes of silver that would average to the atomic mass listed on the periodic table. Given the choices, Option B) 105.91 and 108.90 are likely to be the correct isotopic masses, as they would average closest to the atomic mass of 107.87 when considering natural abundances are nearly equal. This can be inferred using concepts from Chemistry regarding isotopic masses and the method of calculating average atomic mass.