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AP Chemistry/Unit 1: Atomic Structure and Properties
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Isotopic Abundance and Atomic Mass
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The table provides isotopic data for selenium. Based on this information, the weighted average atomic mass of the element is approximately $$80.2$$ amu. Which of the following statements best explains this value?

Isotopic Data for Selenium

Isotope Mass (amu) Abundance (%)
Se-78 78 10
Se-80 80 70
Se-82 82 20
A

Because each isotope contributes equally to the total mass regardless of abundance, the resulting average atomic mass is simply the median value, which does not align with $$80.2$$ amu.

B

Since the isotope with mass $$80$$ constitutes the majority of the sample, its high abundance drives the weighted average atomic mass to be close to $$80.2$$ amu.

C

The weighted average must be lower than $$80.2$$ amu due to the contribution of the lighter isotope, Se-78, despite its lower abundance.

D

Because the atomic masses span from $$78$$ to $$82$$, the average atomic mass must be exactly the arithmetic mean of these values, namely $$80$$ amu.

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