Question

Suppose that a hypothetical element has 3 isotopes, with the following natural abundances:

44.0 amu (85%), 45.0 amu (1.0%) and 46.0 amu (14%).
What can we say based on that information?
a) The element has a high atomic number.
b) The element is stable.
c) The element has a wide range of chemical properties.
d) The element's average atomic mass is closer to 44.0 amu.

Answer 1

The natural abundance of isotopes in a hypothetical element allows us to determine its stability and average atomic mass.

Step-by-step explanation:

The natural abundance of isotopes in a hypothetical element can provide valuable information about the element. In this case, the element has 3 isotopes with natural abundances of 85%, 1.0%, and 14%. Based on this information, we can deduce that:

1. The element is stable since it has naturally occurring isotopes.
2. The element's average atomic mass is closer to 44.0 amu because the isotope with 44.0 amu has the highest natural abundance.