QuestionWhy is the atomic mass of germanium (Ge) a fraction between 72 and ? A) Isotopes B) Isomers C) Ions D) Allotropes E) Protons.
Studdy Solution
STEP 1
Assumptions1. The atomic mass of germanium (Ge) is . We need to explain why the atomic mass is a fraction between72 and73
STEP 2
The atomic mass of an element listed in the periodic table is the weighted average of the atomic masses of the isotopes of that element.
STEP 3
Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons. This means that they have different atomic masses.
STEP 4
The atomic mass of an element is calculated by taking the sum of the masses of its isotopes, each multiplied by the natural abundance of that isotope.
STEP 5
The atomic mass of an element is not a whole number because it is a weighted average of the atomic masses of the isotopes of that element.
STEP 6
Therefore, the presence of different isotopes explains why the atomic mass of germanium is a fraction between72 and73.
The correct answer is A) The presence of different isotopes.
Was this helpful?