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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 80.280.2 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 the atomic masses span from 7878 to 8282, the average atomic mass must be exactly the arithmetic mean of these values, namely 8080 amu.

B

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 80.280.2 amu.

C

Since the isotope with mass 8080 constitutes the majority of the sample, its high abundance drives the weighted average atomic mass to be close to 80.280.2 amu.

D

The weighted average must be lower than 80.280.2 amu due to the contribution of the lighter isotope, Se-78, despite its lower abundance.

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