How do I figure out which is the most abundant in given isotopes?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking how to determine which of the given isotopes is the most abundant. This typically involves analyzing the relative abundance of isotopes through various methods such as mass spectrometry or by reviewing existing data about isotopic abundance.
Answer
Compare isotopic masses to the weighted average atomic mass; the closest is most abundant.
To determine the most abundant isotope, compare each isotopic mass to the weighted average atomic mass on the periodic table; the isotope closest to this average is typically the most abundant.
Answer for screen readers
To determine the most abundant isotope, compare each isotopic mass to the weighted average atomic mass on the periodic table; the isotope closest to this average is typically the most abundant.
More Information
A simple way to guess the most abundant isotope is to round the average atomic mass to the nearest whole number, which often represents the most abundant isotope.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming without evidence that an isotope with a higher mass number is more abundant, rather than comparing with the average atomic mass.
Sources
- 3.05: Isotopes - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- How do you determine the most abundant isotope of an element? - Study.com - homework.study.com
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