The following diagram is a representation of 20 atoms of a fictitious element, which we will call nevadium (Nv). The red spheres are 293 Nv, and the blue spheres are 295 Nv. (a) Assuming that this sample is a statistically representative sample of the element, calculate the percent abundance of each element.

Hello everyone today. We are being asked to consider the diagram shown below representing Adams of an imaginary element X. A. So the white spheres represent 3 15 X. A. And the green spheres represent 3 19 X. A. Were then asked to calculate the percent abundance of each isotope, assuming that the diagram represents the actual distribution. So in order to solve for each one we'll start with 3 15 X. A. We have to take the number or the number of atoms of our 15 X. A. And we must divide this by the number of atoms by the total number of items. So total number of atoms. So the number of atoms or white spheres of 3 15 X. A. Is going to be 19. And the total atoms in this diagram would be 19 plus six. So we have the 3 15 X. A. And the 3 19 X. A. Atoms in there and then we go ahead and do this. We must multiply this by 100% to get the actual percentage. When we do this we get 76% For 19 X. A. We do the same process. So we take the number of atoms of 3 19 X. A. And we divide that by the number of atoms total the number of atoms for X. A. Or the green spheres is going to be six. That's going to be divided by 19 plus six. Or the total number of atoms. We're also gonna multiply this by 100. And we do that we get 24%. So these are our final answers. I hope this helped, and until next time.

Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

All textbooks

Brown 15th Edition

Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

Problem 2a

Chapter 2, Problem 2a

The following diagram is a representation of 20 atoms of a fictitious element, which we will call nevadium (Nv). The red spheres are ²⁹³Nv, and the blue spheres are ²⁹⁵Nv. (a) Assuming that this sample is a statistically representative sample of the element, calculate the percent abundance of each element.

Verified step by step guidance

Count the total number of atoms in the diagram. This will be the sum of red and blue spheres.

Count the number of red spheres (293Nv) in the diagram.

Count the number of blue spheres (295Nv) in the diagram.

Calculate the percent abundance of 293Nv by dividing the number of red spheres by the total number of atoms and then multiplying by 100.

Calculate the percent abundance of 295Nv by dividing the number of blue spheres by the total number of atoms and then multiplying by 100.

Verified Solution

Video duration:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Isotopes

Isotopes are variants of a chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different atomic masses. For example, nevadium (Nv) has two isotopes: 293Nv and 295Nv. Understanding isotopes is crucial for calculating their relative abundances in a sample.

Percent Abundance

Percent abundance refers to the proportion of each isotope of an element present in a sample, expressed as a percentage. To calculate percent abundance, divide the number of atoms of each isotope by the total number of atoms and multiply by 100. This concept is essential for determining the composition of the nevadium sample in the question.

Statistical Representation

A statistically representative sample accurately reflects the characteristics of the larger population from which it is drawn. In this context, assuming the sample of 20 nevadium atoms is representative allows for reliable calculations of percent abundance. This concept ensures that the results can be generalized to the entire element rather than just the sample.