Math Problem Statement

Gallium occurs in nature as a mixture of two isotopes: Ga-69 with 60.108% abundance and a mass of 68.926 amu and Ga-71 with 39.892% abundance and an atomic mass of 70.925 amu. Calculate the atomic mass of gallium.

Solution

To calculate the atomic mass of gallium, we'll use the weighted average formula:

Atomic Mass=(Fractional Abundance of Isotope 1×Mass of Isotope 1)+(Fractional Abundance of Isotope 2×Mass of Isotope 2)\text{Atomic Mass} = (\text{Fractional Abundance of Isotope 1} \times \text{Mass of Isotope 1}) + (\text{Fractional Abundance of Isotope 2} \times \text{Mass of Isotope 2})

Given:

  • Isotope 1: Ga-69 with a mass of 68.926 amu and a percent abundance of 60.108%.
  • Isotope 2: Ga-71 with a mass of 70.925 amu and a percent abundance of 39.892%.

First, convert the percent abundances to fractional abundances:

  • Fractional abundance of Ga-69 = 60.108100=0.60108\frac{60.108}{100} = 0.60108
  • Fractional abundance of Ga-71 = 39.892100=0.39892\frac{39.892}{100} = 0.39892

Now, substitute these values into the formula:

Atomic Mass=(0.60108×68.926)+(0.39892×70.925)\text{Atomic Mass} = (0.60108 \times 68.926) + (0.39892 \times 70.925)

Calculate each term:

0.60108×68.926=41.4421 amu0.60108 \times 68.926 = 41.4421 \text{ amu} 0.39892×70.925=28.2943 amu0.39892 \times 70.925 = 28.2943 \text{ amu}

Finally, add these two results together to find the atomic mass:

Atomic Mass=41.4421+28.2943=69.7364 amu\text{Atomic Mass} = 41.4421 + 28.2943 = 69.7364 \text{ amu}

Therefore, the atomic mass of gallium is approximately 69.74 amu.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions to consider:

  1. How do isotopes affect the physical and chemical properties of elements?
  2. What role does atomic mass play in determining the molar mass of a compound?
  3. How does the atomic mass of gallium compare to other elements in the same group?
  4. How can the atomic mass of gallium be used in calculating the mass of a sample of gallium?
  5. What are some applications of gallium and how does its isotopic composition impact these uses?

Tip: When dealing with isotopic abundances, always check that the sum of all fractional abundances equals 1. This ensures accuracy in your calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Isotopes
Atomic Mass
Weighted Average

Formulas

Weighted average formula for atomic mass

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate