Math Problem Statement

Element Z has two naturally occurring isotopes. The mass of isotope Z-29 is 28.97 amu and the mass of isotope Z-31 is 30.99 amu. The average atomic mass of Element Z is 30.22 amu. What is the percent abundance of isotope Z-31?

Solution

To find the percent abundance of isotope Z-31, we will use the formula for the average atomic mass:

Average atomic mass=(m1×f1)+(m2×f2)\text{Average atomic mass} = (m_1 \times f_1) + (m_2 \times f_2)

where:

  • m1m_1 and m2m_2 are the masses of the isotopes (28.97 amu for Z-29 and 30.99 amu for Z-31).
  • f1f_1 and f2f_2 are the fractional abundances of the isotopes.
  • The sum of the fractional abundances equals 1: f1+f2=1f_1 + f_2 = 1.

Let f2f_2 be the fractional abundance of Z-31. Then, the fractional abundance of Z-29 will be 1f21 - f_2.

Step 1: Set up the equation

30.22=(28.97×(1f2))+(30.99×f2)30.22 = (28.97 \times (1 - f_2)) + (30.99 \times f_2)

Step 2: Expand the equation

30.22=28.9728.97f2+30.99f230.22 = 28.97 - 28.97 f_2 + 30.99 f_2

Step 3: Combine like terms

30.22=28.97+(30.9928.97)f230.22 = 28.97 + (30.99 - 28.97) f_2

30.22=28.97+2.02f230.22 = 28.97 + 2.02 f_2

Step 4: Solve for f2f_2

30.2228.97=2.02f230.22 - 28.97 = 2.02 f_2

1.25=2.02f21.25 = 2.02 f_2

f2=1.252.020.6188f_2 = \frac{1.25}{2.02} \approx 0.6188

So, the fractional abundance of Z-31 is approximately 0.6188, which means the percent abundance is:

0.6188×10061.88%0.6188 \times 100 \approx 61.88\%

Thus, the percent abundance of isotope Z-31 is approximately 61.88%.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Related Questions

  1. What would be the percent abundance of Z-29 in this scenario?
  2. How does the average atomic mass relate to isotopic masses?
  3. If a third isotope were present, how would the calculation change?
  4. How do you find the mass of an element using isotopic data?
  5. What is the role of significant figures in calculating average atomic mass?

Tip

Always check that the sum of fractional abundances equals 1 to avoid calculation errors.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Weighted Averages
Atomic Mass

Formulas

Average atomic mass = (m1 * f1) + (m2 * f2)
f1 + f2 = 1

Theorems

Conservation of Mass
Algebraic Manipulation

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12