Chapter 4.3, Problem 23SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : The relative abundance of silicon isotopesis to be identified.

Concept Introduction : The weighted average mass of the atoms in a naturally occurring sample of an element is the atomic mass.

Answer to Problem 23SP

Silicon-28 is the most relative abundance isotope of silicon.

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

The three isotopes of silicon are silicon-28, silicon-29, and silicon-30.

The atomic mass of silicon is 28.086 amu.

The weighted average mass of the atoms in a naturally occurring sample of an element is the atomic mass.

Compare the atomic mass to the mass of each isotope.

Find the mass of the isotope whole value is closer to atomic mass.

Among the three given isotopes, the mass of silicon-28 is closer to atomic mass.

So, silicon-28 is the most abundant isotope than silicon-29 and silicon-30.