Chemistry: The Molecular Science (5th Edition)

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1285199049
ISBN 13: 978-1-28519-904-7

Chapter 2 - Chemical Compounds - Questions for Review and Thought - Topical Questions - Page 90b: 29

Answer

39.95 (atomic mass units)

Work Step by Step

Estimate: The vast majority of argon is $^{40}$Ar, with trace amounts of its lighter isotopes, so we can expect the average atomic mass to be slightly less than 40. Calculate: The weighted average of isotopes is: (.003336)(35.968 u) + (0.00063)(37.963 u) + (0.9960)(39.962 u) = 39.95 u
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