The element X has an atomic mass of 12.80
amu. It is known to have two isotopes 12X and 13X. Which of the following is true about the relative abundancies of 12X and 13X?
a) both isotopes occur with the same frequency.
b)12X occurs more frequently than 13X
c)12X occurs less frequently than 13X
d) not enough information
To determine the relative abundances of 12X and 13X isotopes, we need to know the atomic masses of each isotope and their respective abundances.
Here, it is given that the element X has an atomic mass of 12.80 amu, which suggests that there are at least two isotopes contributing to this average atomic mass. It is also known that the two isotopes are 12X and 13X.
However, the question does not provide any information about the atomic mass of 13X or the relative abundances of the two isotopes. Without this information, we cannot make any definitive conclusions about the relative abundances of 12X and 13X.
Therefore, the correct answer is d) not enough information.
Based on the given information, we can infer that the atomic mass is the weighted average of the isotopic masses, taking into account their relative abundances. In this case, the atomic mass of element X is 12.80 amu.
Since we know that there are two isotopes, 12X and 13X, the atomic mass suggests that there is a higher abundance of the lighter isotope, 12X, compared to the heavier isotope, 13X.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
b) 12X occurs more frequently than 13X.