Question

Sort each isotope based on the abundance of isotopes on Earth, as shown in the PhET simulation by selecting Nature's Mix, and on planet X given the following information: Average atomic mass values for planet X (amu) Oxygen 16.09 Chlorine 36.97 Boron 10.31 Although there are three isotopes for oxygen, you only need to sort the two listed.
Drag the appropriate items to their respective bins.

1. O-16

2. O-18

3. Cl-37

4. B-11

5. Cl-35

6. B-10

CHOICES (bins of categorization which 1-6 must be separated into)

A. More abundant on Earth

B. More abundant on planet X

C. Approximately equal abundance on both.

Answer 1

Answer: 1. O-16  : More abundant on planet X

2. O-18 :  More abundant on Earth

3. Cl-37 : More abundant on planet X

4. B-11  :  : More abundant on Earth

5. Cl-35 : More abundant on Earth

6. B- 10 : More abundant on planet X

Explanation:

Average atomic mass is defined as the sum of masses of each isotope each multiplied by their natural fractional abundance.

Formula used to calculate average atomic mass follows:

$\text{Average atomic mass }=\sum_{i=1}^n\text{(Atomic mass of an isotopes)}_i\times \text{(Fractional abundance})_i$

1. O-16  : More abundant on planet X

Average atomic mass of oxygen = 16.09 amu

As, the average atomic mass of oxygen is closer to the mass of O-16 isotope. This means that the relative abundance of O-16 isotope is the higher as compared to the other isotopes on planet X.

2. O-18 :  More abundant on Earth

3. Cl-37 : More abundant on planet X

Average atomic mass of chlorine = 36.97 amu

As, the average atomic mass of chlorine is closer to the mass of Cl-37 isotope. This means that the relative abundance of Cl-37 isotope is the higher as compared to the other isotopes on planet X.

4. B-11  : More abundant on Earth

Average atomic mass of boron = 10.31 amu

As, the average atomic mass of boron is closer to the mass of B-10 isotope. This means that the relative abundance of B-10 isotope is the higher as compared to the other isotopes on planet X.

5. Cl-35 : More abundant on Earth

6. B- 10 : More abundant on planet X