The two natural isotopes of chlorine viz. \(_{17}^{35}Cl\) and \(_{17}^{35}Cl\) exist in relative abundance of 3 : 1. Find out the average atomic mass of chlorine.

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1 Answers

Given : 

Isotopes of chlorine \(_{17}^{35}Cl\) and \(_{17}^{35}Cl\).

Ratio of relative abundance of these isotopes is 3 : 1.

To find : 

Average atomic mass of chlorine

Calculation : 

From the relative abundance 3 : 1, it is understood that out of 4 chlorine atoms, 3 atoms have mass 35 and 1 atom has mass 37. 

Therefore, 

The average atomic mass of chlorine = \(\frac{3\times 35+1\times 37}{4}\)= 35.5

∴ Average atomic mass of chlorine = 35.5 u

The average atomic mass of chlorine is 35.5 u.

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